For approximately four weeks, no lava flow was observed from the Geldingadalur volcano crater. This is the longest interruption in volcanic activity since the eruption began.
Geophysicist Páll Einarsson states, however, that despite such a long pause, it is far too early to conclude that the eruption is over.
In the entry on the site FB volcanologists and nature lovers from Suðurland a post was published that the eruption of a volcano in the Reykjanes Peninsula has ended. It refers, inter alia, to the published article on the science site of Vísindavefniðwhich talks about an eruption that “was”.
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University of Iceland geophysicist Páll Einarsson believes eruption end statements are issued too early as the situation has not changed in the area. Even if the magma has not appeared, it does not mean that the eruption is over.
“It’s an almost philosophical discussion of when an eruption begins and when it ends” Professor Páll Einarsson says.
“When are we talking about one eruption and when are we talking about subsequent eruptions? If we look at it from a different point of view, it can be said that this eruption ended 40 times and started 39 times. “ added.
The number of visitors to the eruption site began to decline
Attendance at the eruption site was high and remained high until the end of activity on September 18. Since activity has declined, the number of visitors has declined significantly. Statistics for this month show that an average of 793 people visited the eruption site every day. This number has never been so low.
However, there are some who are also curious to see an inactive volcano. There are also visitors to the eruption site who climb all the way to the crater, because they believe that the lack of lava flowing out proves that the eruption is over. Rescuers from the Icelandic Search and Rescue Association advise against climbing the crater walls as it can be dangerous.
“We’ve seen all kinds of behavior during an eruption, near a crater or in a lava field. We see similar behavior all over the world, that’s nothing new. Also, we just say no to all these behaviors until we make sure the place is as safe as possible “ said Jónas Guðmundsson from Landsbjörg.
mmn / visir.is
Source: Yle