Skip to main content

Currently, news on Öræfajökull, Iceland´s largest central volcano (2,110 m), flash in the media. Earthquakes, including deep source shocks, and sudden geothermal activity cause concern. No one can predict the development but monitoring has been increased and evacuation plans and other counter-measures have been addressed in cooperation with local authorities. Airborne surveillance reveals a circular cauldron in the centre of the snow and ice field that covers the 500-600-m-deep top caldera. The circular cauldron is about 1,000 m wide and 20-25 m deep, caused by melting at the bottom of the glacier. Increased discharge in a river that flows from a long valley glacier in the south slopes of the mountain (Kvíarjökull glacier and river Kvíá) contains chemical elements that confirm new and strong geothermal activity. This fact and a sudden increase in seismic aaa replica rolex day date mens rolex calibre 2836 m118348 0014 black dial activity may suggest magma up-flow into the roots of the volcano. The process may come to a halt but it could also be a prelude to a volcanic eruption, large or small, within weeks, months or years. Subglacial eruptions produce ash and result in a flash flood (jökulhlaup). In this case the intensity of a possible eruption is, as always, unforeseen but a flood would be violent because of the height of the mountain, with a volume depending on the initial intensity of the eruption. Öræfajökull erupted with great force in 1362 after a long repose (10 cubic km of airborne tephra). The volcano erupted again in 1727-8 but balenciaga 768996 1 slippers for women then with moderate force.

Öræfajökull glacier

Öræfajökull glacier

 

Leave a Reply

Join the Lava Club

Get updated information regarding the exhibition and special offers. We also send regularly updated information on Icelandic volcanoes and email alerts on eruption and earthquakes.