The seismic monitoring system of the Icelandic Meteorological Office has detected a record number of 160 earthquakes in Öræfajökull volcano in the past week. The quakes, most of which have been relatively minor, have been detected in and around the volcano's caldera at a depth of up to 10 km (6.4 miles).
Öræfajökull has been showing increasing signs of activity in recent weeks and months. Heightened level of seismic activity and growing geothermal activity in the caldera are caused by magma which is being pushed up into the crust, developments which could be consistent with the volcano preparing for an eruption.
Read more: Uncertainty phase still in effect for Öræfajökull volcano
The cauldron in the ice cap which covers the volcano's caldera has continued to deepen in recent weeks, which is consistent with continued geothermal activity in the caldera. According to the Civil Protection Agency there have been no changes in the outflow of meltwater from the caldera.
The scientific advisory board of the Civil Protection Agency met yesterday to discuss the situation in Öræfajökull. The authorities have stepped up the monitoring of Öræfajökull in recent weeks, adding new seismic monitors, river monitors, GPS measuring stations and webcams which will allow scientists to keep close tabs on every move of the volcano.
Read more: Emergency evacuation plan in case of eruption in Öræfajökull glacier
The seismic monitoring system of the Icelandic Meteorological Office has detected a record number of 160 earthquakes in Öræfajökull volcano in the past week. The quakes, most of which have been relatively minor, have been detected in and around the volcano's caldera at a depth of up to 10 km (6.4 miles).
Öræfajökull has been showing increasing signs of activity in recent weeks and months. Heightened level of seismic activity and growing geothermal activity in the caldera are caused by magma which is being pushed up into the crust, developments which could be consistent with the volcano preparing for an eruption.
Read more: Uncertainty phase still in effect for Öræfajökull volcano
The cauldron in the ice cap which covers the volcano's caldera has continued to deepen in recent weeks, which is consistent with continued geothermal activity in the caldera. According to the Civil Protection Agency there have been no changes in the outflow of meltwater from the caldera.
The scientific advisory board of the Civil Protection Agency met yesterday to discuss the situation in Öræfajökull. The authorities have stepped up the monitoring of Öræfajökull in recent weeks, adding new seismic monitors, river monitors, GPS measuring stations and webcams which will allow scientists to keep close tabs on every move of the volcano.
Read more: Emergency evacuation plan in case of eruption in Öræfajökull glacier
