The Icelandic Meteorological Office and the Police in South Iceland have determined that an ice cave in Breiðamerkurjökull glacier, near Jökulsárlón glacial lagoon in South East Iceland, is safe. The local news site Vísir reports that measurements taken today showed no poisonous gases in the cave and normal levels of oxygen. The cave was closed to all traffic after initial readings suggested the possible presence of poisonous geothermal gases and low oxygen.
Scientists suspected the geothermal gases could potentially be connected to increasing geothermal and volcanic activity in nearby Öræfajökull volcano.
Read more: Magma movements in Öræfajökull volcano a clear sign of growing activity
The cave has now been declared safe.
Read more: Travelers warned not to visit ice cave in SE Iceland: Potentially poisonous gases detected
According to a statement from the Icelandic Meteorological Office measurements found the air in the cave was perfectly safe to breath. The oxygen level was normal and no measurable Carbon Monoxide CO, Hydrogen Sulfide H2S or Sulfur Dioxide S02 were detected in the atmosphere in the cave.
These poisonous gases are released in significant quantities by geothermal vents. Under certain circumstances they can collect and concentrate near geothermal sites, causing immediate danger to people. Ice caves created by geothermal activity are particularly dangerous. Earlier this winter an experienced local guide died in a tragic accident in an ice cave in Hofsjökull glacier in the Central Highlands.
Read more: Man who died in Hofsjökull ice cave accident was an experienced local guide
On Sunday guides who were inspecting the Breiðamerkurjökull cave detected a foul smell in the cave, and low levels of oxygen. The cave was immediately closed to ensure the safety of visitors.
Read more: Why are geothermal ice caves more dangerous than caves created by meltwater?
The Icelandic Meteorological Office and the Police in South Iceland have determined that an ice cave in Breiðamerkurjökull glacier, near Jökulsárlón glacial lagoon in South East Iceland, is safe. The local news site Vísir reports that measurements taken today showed no poisonous gases in the cave and normal levels of oxygen. The cave was closed to all traffic after initial readings suggested the possible presence of poisonous geothermal gases and low oxygen.
Scientists suspected the geothermal gases could potentially be connected to increasing geothermal and volcanic activity in nearby Öræfajökull volcano.
Read more: Magma movements in Öræfajökull volcano a clear sign of growing activity
The cave has now been declared safe.
Read more: Travelers warned not to visit ice cave in SE Iceland: Potentially poisonous gases detected
According to a statement from the Icelandic Meteorological Office measurements found the air in the cave was perfectly safe to breath. The oxygen level was normal and no measurable Carbon Monoxide CO, Hydrogen Sulfide H2S or Sulfur Dioxide S02 were detected in the atmosphere in the cave.
These poisonous gases are released in significant quantities by geothermal vents. Under certain circumstances they can collect and concentrate near geothermal sites, causing immediate danger to people. Ice caves created by geothermal activity are particularly dangerous. Earlier this winter an experienced local guide died in a tragic accident in an ice cave in Hofsjökull glacier in the Central Highlands.
Read more: Man who died in Hofsjökull ice cave accident was an experienced local guide
On Sunday guides who were inspecting the Breiðamerkurjökull cave detected a foul smell in the cave, and low levels of oxygen. The cave was immediately closed to ensure the safety of visitors.
Read more: Why are geothermal ice caves more dangerous than caves created by meltwater?
