This eruption already more extensive than previous six eruptions
Inflation continues and magma is accumulating under Svartsengi. Photo/Hörður Kristleifsson
Although the volcanic force has decreased, there are no signs of a decrease in total magma flow from the depths. It is difficult to predict when this eruption will end, it could continue for a longer period with stable flow or stop shortly.
This is stated in a new report from the Icelandic Met Office.
The lava field has grown to be more than six square kilometres
Experts from the Icelandic Institute of Natural History and Land Survey took a measurement flight over the eruption site yesterday.
According to data collected in the flight, it was possible to estimate the size of the lava field and lava flow in the eruption. The results show that the force of the eruption has decreased steadily.
A map showing the area and the thickness of the lava that has come from the ongoing eruption. Map/Icelandic Met Office
The area of the lava field measured 6,14 square kilometers. The volcanic eruption has therefore become more extensive than the previous six eruptions on the Reykjanes peninsula.
The largest eruption was at Mt Fagradalsfjall in March 2021. The area measured nearly 5 square kilometers.
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Recently, lava has flowed mostly to the south from the crater, but temporarily it flowed to the north when the crater’s wall broke.
The lava has thickened most near the crater and a short distance south of it where the lava field has the most activity. There are no clear signs of lava flowing along the defensive walls north of Grindavík, Suðurstrandarvegur road, or Melhólsnáma mine.
Increased inflation in the past week
Inflation in Svartsengi continues and has increased in speed in the past week, while the volcanic force has decreased. This indicates that the majority of magma flowing under the Svartsengi volcano is accumulating there, causing increased pressure and inflation.
The open connection between the magma collection area in Svartsengi and Sundhnúksgígar crater row is still open and some of the magma flows to the surface.
Seismic activity in the defensive walls at Grindavík has continued to be very low.
Hazard assessment unchanged
The Met Office has updated its hazard assessment and it is valid until April 16. There are no changes to the hazard assessment and the risk of gas pollution is still estimated to be high in all areas except the Sundhnúksgígar crater row (area 3) where it is estimated to be very high.
The hazards in zone 4 (Grindavík) and zone 6 are still estimated to be high due to the collapse of the earth into the fissure, fissure movement, lava flow, and gas pollution.
No changes are in the hazard assessment. Map/Icelandic Met Office
