Volcano Update: Bárðarbunga Continues To Subside

The subsidence of the Bárðarbunga caldera continues, sinking by 45 cm just this morning following an earthquake with the magnitude of 5.4, reports RÚV.

Yesterday, Civil Protection (CPEM) reported a subsidence of over 50 cm.

Currently there is no information about the progress of the lava flow coming from the Holuhraun eruption. This is because of dangerous conditions which forced scientists to evacuate the area yesterday.

Not before posting some excellent pictures and showing off a lava sample on Twitter though.

Pahoehoe lava creeping over older lava. Credit: Uni. of Iceland/Johanne Schmithh #Bardarbunga #Holuhraun #Iceland pic.twitter.com/cvMB2f0Nh7

— Univ. of Iceland (@uni_iceland) September 15, 2014

The very first #Holuhraun sample from 29.08. A real beauty! @Cambridge_Uni @uni_iceland pic.twitter.com/VXvbpnoW0H

— Thorbjorg Agustsdott (@fencingtobba) September 14, 2014

Seismic activity continues but GPS monitoring shows that crustal movements north of Vatnajökull remain insignificant.

The Icelandic Met Office and the CPEM have asked everyone to remain vigilant of possible SO2 pollution.

Instructions from the office of the Chief Epidemiologist and The Environment Agency can be found on their web-sites ust.is and www.landlaeknir.is

The Icelandic Met Office will also be reading SO2 forecasts along with weather news on national radio and TV.

In the event of SO2 exposure, people who feel discomfort are advised to stay indoors, close their windows, turn up the heat and turn off air conditioning. Use periods of good air quality to ventilate the house.

Measurements of air quality can be found on the webpage loftgaedi.is The Meteorological Office issues forecast on its web-page and warnings if conditions change to the worse.