Westerly winds are expected to spread volcanic gas pollution eastward today, reports RÚV. A natural hazard specialist at the Icelandic Met Office says that the concentration levels remain uncertain, as the eruption itself is not particularly powerful at the moment.
The area affected by gas pollution from the eruption at Sundhnúksgígar could extend from southern Snæfellsnes to Hella, according to Ingibjörg Andrea Bergþórsdóttir, a natural hazard specialist at the Icelandic Met Office. “Our gas dispersion forecast indicates the effects will shift eastward,” she explains. “However, the actual concentration levels are yet to be determined,” she adds, pointing out that the eruption at Sundhnúksgígar has been relatively mild in recent days.
Ingibjörg confirms that Met Office staff will monitor gas dispersion throughout the day as part of their routine observation efforts.
The current gas pollution forecast shows the gas dispersing northward from the eruption site this morning. Later in the afternoon, the wind is expected to shift, altering the gas dispersion direction. The forecast is available on the Icelandic Met Office’s website.
A statement from the Met Office early this morning reported little to no changes in the eruption overnight. Lava flow remains predominantly directed east and southeast, with slow movement at the edges.
The photo is for illustrative purposes only, featuring the 2022 eruption.
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