Although severe earthquakes have been slow in Reykjanes, scientists still warn that eruptions are still very much on the maps.
According to the latest data from the Icelandic Meteorological Office there were only three earthquakes of magnitude 3 or larger since midnight last night, all in Reykjanes.
Although this can help Grindvรญk get a better night’s sleep, researchers at the Icelandic Meteorological Office emphasize that an impending eruption should still be expected.
GPS measurements and satellite images have shown that the magma beneath the earth’s surface has stopped moving southwards and the center is just northeast of Fagradalsfjall and is now moving closer to Keilir. Part of the magma, which has been moving for about three weeks now, is believed to have solidified.
It is said that eruptions are still forecast, earthquakes of up to 6.5 magnitude are also expected. The magma deposit is planned to be eight kilometers long and four kilometers deep, but only about a meter wide. As it stands now, it is even easier for the magma to move horizontally than vertically, but that position can change at any time.
For more information on this, read our latest feature: The Sleeping Giant: Earthquakes and Volcanoes in Reykjanes, where we take a closer look at what has happened, what can happen and what the worst conditions can be.
Source: The Nordic Page
