Geophysicists at the University of Iceland believe activity in Öræfajökull volcano is slowing down. While it is still too early to say anything about the long term probability of an eruption it now appears the immediate threat is smaller than the worst case scenarios envisioned. Geothermal activity in the caldera is similar to the activity in Bárðarbunga.
Read more: The Ice cauldron in Öræfajökull continues to deepen, new photos from NASA show
Scientists flew over the caldera yesterday to get close-up readings of the cauldron which has formed in the ice cap which covers the caldera. The photos and measurements confirm readings from satellite photos NASA took of the glacier. The cauldron has deepened by 2-3 meters (6.6-9.8 ft) since the last aerial measurements two weeks ago.
Activity is slowing down
Magnús Tumi Guðmundsson, professor of geophysics at the University of Iceland told the local newspaper Morgunblaðið that the changes in the ice cap covering the glacier and the activity in the volcano seemed to have slowed down in recent days or weeks. Scientists believe that the activity is caused by a relatively small magma intrusion into the volcano. The lava is at a depth of 2-6 km (2.1-3.7 mi) from the surface. The seismic activity in the volcano is caused by the magma intrusion, as well as the growing geothermal activity in the volcano's caldera.
Yesterday's measurements confirmed that the energy in the geothermal system in the caldera is 100-150 MW, which is similar to the activity of geothermal systems in Bárðarbunga. For comparison the total energy production of Icelandic geothermal power plants is 575 MW in electricity and 580 MW in hot water, used by district heating utilities.
Read more: Emergency evacuation plan in case of eruption in Öræfajökull glacier
Both the seismic and geothermal activity are very unusual in Öræfajökull, as the volcano is believed to have been completely dormant for the past 290 years. Magnús Tumi told the National Broadcasting Service that while he ruled out an immediate eruption the longer term outlook was more uncertain. We must keep close tabs on the development. It is clear that we are not witnessing an acceleration of the activity, but rather a slowdown.
Geophysicists at the University of Iceland believe activity in Öræfajökull volcano is slowing down. While it is still too early to say anything about the long term probability of an eruption it now appears the immediate threat is smaller than the worst case scenarios envisioned. Geothermal activity in the caldera is similar to the activity in Bárðarbunga.
Read more: The Ice cauldron in Öræfajökull continues to deepen, new photos from NASA show
Scientists flew over the caldera yesterday to get close-up readings of the cauldron which has formed in the ice cap which covers the caldera. The photos and measurements confirm readings from satellite photos NASA took of the glacier. The cauldron has deepened by 2-3 meters (6.6-9.8 ft) since the last aerial measurements two weeks ago.
Activity is slowing down
Magnús Tumi Guðmundsson, professor of geophysics at the University of Iceland told the local newspaper Morgunblaðið that the changes in the ice cap covering the glacier and the activity in the volcano seemed to have slowed down in recent days or weeks. Scientists believe that the activity is caused by a relatively small magma intrusion into the volcano. The lava is at a depth of 2-6 km (2.1-3.7 mi) from the surface. The seismic activity in the volcano is caused by the magma intrusion, as well as the growing geothermal activity in the volcano's caldera.
Yesterday's measurements confirmed that the energy in the geothermal system in the caldera is 100-150 MW, which is similar to the activity of geothermal systems in Bárðarbunga. For comparison the total energy production of Icelandic geothermal power plants is 575 MW in electricity and 580 MW in hot water, used by district heating utilities.
Read more: Emergency evacuation plan in case of eruption in Öræfajökull glacier
Both the seismic and geothermal activity are very unusual in Öræfajökull, as the volcano is believed to have been completely dormant for the past 290 years. Magnús Tumi told the National Broadcasting Service that while he ruled out an immediate eruption the longer term outlook was more uncertain. We must keep close tabs on the development. It is clear that we are not witnessing an acceleration of the activity, but rather a slowdown.
