The likelihood of an eruption in the Bárðarbunga caldera is increasing, says volcanologist Ármann Höskuldsson.
“It is becoming more likely that there will be an eruption under the glacier at Bárðarbunga,” Ármann told Vísir. “The eruption in Holuhraun can’t handle much more and this shit has to come out somewhere.”
Ármann reiterates however, that technically Holuhraun counts as Bárðarbunga as it is located within the Bárðarbunga area.
If an eruption took place in the caldera under the ice it would have serious repercussions.
“There would be a flood, likely up north and a considerable ash cloud,” said Ármann. “It could create a similar situation to the one we saw when Eyjafjallajökull erupted, but that will depend on the direction of the wind and so forth.”
Ármann told Vísir that the most important thing to do now is prepare.
“It just won’t do that people wake up one morning and ash has fallen on everything and everything goes crazy,” said Ármann. “People need to be prepared… It’s absolutely clear that an eruption would affect air traffic, but to what extent will depend on how fine the ash is and how powerful the eruption is. Glacial flooding would take out roads and power lines, as we’ve seen in the past. That’s nothing new, and I’ve said it again and again, it’s all about contingency plans and that’s what people need to keep in mind.”
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