There have been 27 earthquakes since midnight that were measured size larger than 3 at Reykjanes, at the time of writing, but the largest was 5.1 recorded at 03:15 this morning. Almost all of these were located near Fagradalsfjall, one of the few possible locations that are currently being mapped due to a possible fissure eruption.
Smaller earthquakes are very densely distributed continue to record on this page, and RÚV now reports that a clearer picture is forming of the magma beneath the surface of the area. Scientists say it could break the surface with little or no warning.
According to the latest measurements, the magma deposit – which is roughly located between Keilir and Fagrasdalsfjall, two mountains in Reykjanes – is only about a meter wide but seven kilometers long and five kilometers deep at its deepest point. At this depth, more magma flows upward at about 15 to 20 cubic meters per second.
It is estimated that it is only about one kilometer below the surface at the southernmost point, near Fagradalsfjall, and about two kilometers below the surface near Keilir. The magma near the southern tip is also hotter and is more likely to search for the surface there.
If that happens, says Freysteinn Sigmundsson, a geophysicist at the University of Iceland, the eruption will most likely be comparable to the Fimmvörðuháls eruption in 2010: mainly spewing lava, with little or no ash. Experts have also decided that the lava is very unlikely to reach settlements or important infrastructure.
That being said, if an eruption occurs, it can come with little or no warnings. As such, all parties closely monitor the situation. Grapevine will keep you informed of any new developments as they arise.
Source: The Nordic Page