Size of hazard area in Fagradalsfjall under re-evaluation after change in volcanic activity, Iceland

size-of-hazard-area-in-fagradalsfjall-under-re-evaluation-after-change-in-volcanic-activity-iceland

Authorities in Iceland are re-evaluating the size of the hazard area at the eruption site in Fagradalsfjall after a significant change in activity detected on May 2. The eruption in Fagradalsfjall continues through one main crater — the fifth fissure that opened in the area on April 13. The volcano started erupting on March 19, 2021, after a long period of intense seismicity.

The volcanic activity was characterized by continuous lava fountains since April 27, but the activity changed at around midnight UTC on May 2 and has since been showing pulsating behavior.

These pulses have intermittent active periods of 8 – 12 minutes, with 1 – 2 minutes of rest periods in between.

The active pulses start with a strong fountain activity, with fountains reaching up to 100 – 150 m (330 – 500 feet) above ground level, and some even higher — up to 300 m (985 feet). These pulses are very apparent in the seismic tremor from seismic stations in a wide area around the eruption site.

YouTube video

YouTube video

On Sunday morning, just after 06:00 UTC, the wind direction changed to slow easterly, and a few hours later smoke was detected in the southwest slopes of Geldingadalir. Possibly, hot pyroxene from the eruptive crater has been carried by the wind to the southwest of the lava field for about 300 m (985 feet) distance and started a brush fire.

The Icelandic Met Office said it is not clear at this time what is causing these changes in volcanic activity, but changes in magma flow, the chemical composition of magma/gas, or possibly changes in the volcanic conduit cannot be ruled out.

Considering these changes in activity, the size of the hazard area at the eruption site is being re-evaluated, IMO said.

Geological summary

The Krýsuvík-Trölladyngja volcanic system is described by the Catalogue of Icelandic Volcanoes as an approximately 50 km (31 miles) long composite fissure swarm trending about N38°E, including a 30 km (18 miles) long swarm of fissures, with no central volcano.

It is one of the volcanic systems arranged en-echelon along the Reykjanes Peninsula west of Kleifarvatn lake.

The Fagradalsfjall and Krýsuvík fissure swarms are considered splits or secondary swarms of the Krýsuvík–Trölladyngja volcanic system. 

Small shield volcanoes have produced a large portion of the erupted volume within the system.

Several eruptions have taken place since the settlement of Iceland, including the eruption of a large basaltic lava flow from the Ogmundargigar crater row around the 12th century.

The latest eruption, identified through tephrochronology, took place during the 14th century.

Featured image credit: Smári McCarthy

Share:

Commenting rules and guidelines

We value the thoughts and opinions of our readers and welcome healthy discussions on our website. In order to maintain a respectful and positive community, we ask that all commenters follow these rules:

  • Treat others with kindness and respect.
  • Stay on topic and contribute to the conversation in a meaningful way.
  • Do not use abusive or hateful language.
  • Do not spam or promote unrelated products or services.
  • Do not post any personal information or content that is illegal, obscene, or otherwise inappropriate.

We reserve the right to remove any comments that violate these rules. By commenting on our website, you agree to abide by these guidelines. Thank you for helping to create a positive and welcoming environment for all.

Leave a reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *