Four new craters opened at the eruption site at Fagradalsfjall this morning. Such information was released this morning on the FB site of volcanologists at the University of Iceland.
Volcanologist Þorvaldur Þórðarson says this is not a surprise, but points out how important it is for people to stay outside areas identified as dangerous.
The newest craters are located in a small gap between the southernmost craters and the newest ones north of the series of craters from where lava flowed in both Geldingadalur and Meradal.
Even more gaps can be expected
Þorvaldur says more rifts can be expected to open.
“This is to be expected, especially after the events of the last few days. This is a normal phenomenon and it is worth noting that magma escapes through a fissure that has already been there, so it uses weaker places in the earth’s crust to get to the surface “ says the volcanologist.
Hundreds of people have visited the eruption site almost every day since the beginning of the eruption. Þorvaldur says being in certain areas can be dangerous as cracks can open with almost no warning.
“It is always dangerous to be in the areas along and close to craters. There, the cracks can open without warning. It is not recommended to stay within an area designated by civil defense as a danger zone. It is much better when people stay outside of this area and just enjoy the view “ says Þorvaldur.
The gas pollution from the eruption is expected to spread northwards today and is expected over Vatnsleysuströnd and even over the north-eastern area of the capital.
Keep in mind that gas contamination at eruption sites can always exceed the hazard level and therefore it is safest to observe the eruptions with the wind blowing in your back.
mmn / visir.is
Source: Yle
