Deformation measurements continue to show ground uplift at Svartsengi, a volcanic system on Iceland’s southern peninsula, according to reports Wednesday by Vísir, RÚV and mbl.is. The measurements indicate that pressure is building several kilometres beneath the ground. Seismic activity on the Sundhnúk fissure swarm, which crosses the Svartsengi area, has been low in recent days.
Modelling based on these deformation measurements shows that the volume change beneath Svartsengi is proceeding at a steady rate. This ongoing subsurface expansion suggests the eruption sequence, which has attracted intense scientific monitoring in recent months, is not showing signs of ending, according to Vísir and mbl.is.
With the ongoing uplift and accumulation of pressure, the most likely scenario is a lava flow (Icelandic: kvikuhlaup), which could potentially lead to an eruption. When, if at all, such an event will occur remains unknown, as does how long the current uplift may continue.
Background
Svartsengi is a volcanic system in the southwest of Iceland, consisting of fissures, cones and volcanic craters. It extends northeast to southwest close to the town of Grindavík and the Svartsengi Power Station and Blue Lagoon tourist site are located on the system. Most of Svartsengi lies in the municipality of Grindavíkurbær. The system is also near Keflavík International Airport.
Sources
Links: vef Veðurstofunnar.
- Vísir (first reported) in Icelandic
- mbl.is in Icelandic
- RÚV in Icelandic
Image: Jakub Hałun / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0) · licence, original (resized) Illustrative image.
