Things have calmed down considerably since Geldingadalsgos erupted at 21:40 Icelandic time last night and a better understanding of the situation in light of the day has formed.
Icelandic Meteorological Office (IMO) reports that the eruption has been slow since last night. The layer covers an area of about 1 km2, 500 meters wide when it is widest.
“Lava springs are small and lava flows are currently a very local hazard,” says the IMO. The seismic activity is minor and spreads over the Fagradalsfjall area. There is no evidence of ash and pyroclastic production and gas pollution is not expected to cause much inconvenience to people except near the source of the eruption. “
This further indicates a slowdown as residents in the southwest were advised to close their windows last night due to the risk of SO2 pollution.
Furthermore, there is no risk that flights to and from Keflavík Airport will be disturbed by ash, so airlines are free to come and go as they please. Reykjanesbraut, the main road that connects the airport to the capital area, is also open, but Suðurstrandarvegur, which runs along the south coast, is currently closed to traffic between Grindavík and Þorlákshafn. Access roads to the lava field are also closed, unless scientists are on their way to the site.
The geophysicist Freysteinn Sigmundsson reported RÚV that the eruption was never more than 200 meters long – initial reports say it is anywhere from 500 to 700 meters long. The flow velocity of the lava is approximately 30 to 40m3 per second, which is roughly the same speed as the magma flows into the cavity. There are no signs of lava rising; on the contrary, it is possible. However, it is too early to say when this eruption will end.
The Icelandic coast provided a photo and video from the scene, which you can view below. Grapevine visited the site yesterday and will also take care of updates when events occur.
For more background on the earthquakes and volcanoes in Reykjanes, check out our latest feature, The Sleeping Giant: Earthquakes And Volcanoes In Reykjanes
Source: The Nordic Page