New 3D Model of Eruption by Fagradalsfjall

For the first time since May 18, scientists were able to fly over the eruption site by Fagradalsfjall mountain, Southwest Iceland, Wednesday to take photos to be used for making a new 3D model of the lava field, mbl.is reports. Birgir V. Óskarsson, geologist at the University of Iceland Institute of Earth Sciences, took the photos, using a Hasselblad camera from the Icelandic Institute of Natural History.

The photos provide information about the volume, area and lava discharge at the site, and the data were subsequently published on the Institute of Earth Sciences’ website.

A new 3D model of the lava field was then posted yesterday on the website of the Icelandic Institute of Natural History.

If you visit their website, you can compare the latest 3D model with previous ones and see the amazing change that has occurred.

Birgir states that the lava field continues to grow, and there are no indication the eruption will end any time soon. “The [area] has reached 2.6 km2, compared with just under two km2 the last time it was measured. The lava discharge is about 12 m3 per second. The figures were similar last time, which means that this remains steady,” he explains. The volume of the lava field is currently 54 million m3.

Finally, on the website of the National Land Survey of Iceland, you can view an aerial photo of the eruption site.