Eruption Likely To Last Until 2015

At the rate the Holuhraun eruption is slowing, one volcanologist believes it will last until early next year.

Vísir reports that there are a number of indications that the Holuhraun eruption will continue, but at a gradually slowing pace before reaching a complete stop. Volcanologist Haraldur Sigurðsson points out that the crater in Bárðarbunga is sinking more slowly, telling reporters that Holuhraun reminds him of Kröflugos, which erupted from 1975 to 1984.

“It’s natural that this lava flow continues, but it is quickly slowing down,” he said. “The crater has been slowing down its sinking from the beginning, but now it’s at the point where one can predict when it will end.”

By his estimate, the lava flow and SO2 release will continue at gradually slower rates, and will completely stop some time in early 2015.

Is it stands now, the Holuhraun lava field covers about 56 square kilometres. Haraldur believes the field now comprises about 914 million cubic kilometres, on account of the thickness of the lava. In parts, the lava field is up to 16 metres thick.

Grapevine readers will be alerted in the event that the eruption takes a more dramatic turn, but it seems for now that Holuhraun will slowly but surely simply die out rather than erupt in a more violent fashion.