Increased Explosive Activity At Volcano Site: 50m Magma Eruptions

Explosive activity has increased in the southernmost crater at the eruption sites on the Reykjanes peninsula.

The magma jets have only been been ten to fifteen meters high before recently where they now reach more than 50 meters into the air, says Þorvaldur Þórðarson, professor of volcanology in a conversation with RÚV.

“This is a very big change in the eruption behaviour, but the question is whether this is also an indication of a change in productivity, whether there is an increase in the amount of magma that occurs in the eruption, ” says the professor.

27 apríl 2021
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Magmanificent

Þorvaldur does not say at the moment whether increased explosive activity is an indication of increased productivity. Activity in other craters has only decreased.

Þorvaldur states: “This could also mean that the activity is starting to accumulate more in one crater.” Scientists are studying the latest twists and turns in today’s eruption, both in the field and by reviewing data from meters.

Activity in the area has been changing recently, with bigger lava flows in the valleys nearby and the potential for more gas to be released. “Gas emissions could be increasing if the productivity of the eruption is increasing. If the magma jet activity is higher, the eruption sets the gas a little higher and it can then spread more,“ says Þorvaldur

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