They warn that the probability of more eruptions in Iceland increases after the explosion of the Grindavik volcano

2023-12-20 12:27:08

Updated Wednesday, December 20, 2023 – 11:27

Three magma fountains remain active after the eruption of the volcano

Hypnatic eruption of a volcano northeast of the Icelandic city of GrindavkVolcano The eruption in Iceland opens a four-kilometer fissure

Three magma chimneys remain active after the activity of the volcanic eruption that began this Tuesday on the Icelandic peninsula of Reykjaneshe informed her Iceland Meteorological Office (IMO for its acronym in English).

Early this Tuesday afternoon, five fountains had been recorded located along the fissure, which at its peak showed activity similar to a Wall of fire along an extension of four kilometers.

In its most recent information, the IMO also noted that the lava has flowed mainly to the east, although there is also a tongue that is spreading to the west.

Since the eruption began, 320 seismic movements have been recorded, the highest intensity being magnitude 4.1, although the activity decreased in the early morning and since midday yesterday only ten have been recorded, he added.

However, the IMO warned that there is an increased likelihood that more eruptions occur along the initial fissure, or further north, or south, and warned that they can originate very quickly, since only 90 minutes elapsed between the first signs and the eruption itself.

At the moment the phenomenon does not put the houses in the nearest town at risk, Frame avkwhich was evacuated on November 10, nor any human infrastructure.

Three scientists study the eruption. MARCO DI MARCOAP

However, experts have pointed out, the decreasing power of the eruption is not an indicator that it will end soon, but only that it has stabilized, while the phenomenon can continue for months.

“I think it is very difficult to say anything when nature is involved, but as it seems to be ending this morning, it seems that we have been quite lucky with the location and development and we hope it stays that way,” the minister said this morning. infrastructure islands, Victory of Ingi Jhannssonin statements to RUV public television.