Bardarbunga volcano update: Eruption continues with steady and large lava output rate

Tue, 23 Sep 2014, 07:51

07:51 AM | BY: T

Satellite image from 22 Sep, showing the 2 main lava flows from the Holuhraun eruption (image: Institute of Earth Sciences. Landsat 8, NASA & USGS)

Lava flow map as of 20 Sep (Institute of Earth Sciences)

The fissure eruption in Holuhraun continues with similar intensity as during the past days and shows no sign of stopping soon. The latest satellite images indicate that the lava now flows into two main branches, one (the older one) to the north and a new one to the east.
Astonishing lava volumes:
The lava flows erupted since the beginning cover around 37 square km and comprise a total volume of 0.4-0.6 cubic kilometers. If compared to an explosive eruption (for which the VEI scale was designed) using the Volcanic Explosivity Index (VEI) scale, the eruption has already reached the category VEI 5. It has so far erupted about the same volume of magma as the 1980 Mt. St. Helens eruption.
The discharge rate was estimated to 250-350 cubic meters per second. For a full day (86400 seconds), this corresponds to a cube measuring approx. 300 m on its sides. It would be enough to fill a soccer field with a pile 2-3 km tall of lava!

The subsidence of the Bardarbunga caldera continues with same rate as before, approx. 50 cm each day. It has now subsided by almost 30 meters in total.

All news about: Bardarbunga volcano
Information about: Bardarbunga volcano

Previous news

Sun, 21 Sep 2014, 17:09

Bardarbunga volcano update: Magnitude 5.4 earthquake and sudden 20 cm drop of the caldera

Subsidence of the Bárdarbunga caldera during the past days; note the drop associated with the latest M5 quake (IMO)

A magnitude 5.4 earthquake under the caldera earlier today was associated with an abrupt drop of 20 cm! The following graph shows the ongoing subsidence during the past 3 days (1.5 m): ... Read all

Sun, 21 Sep 2014, 10:32

Bardarbunga volcano update: Eruption and seismic activity continue

Depth vs time of the recent earthquakes under Bárdarbunga

The eruption continues with most activity (lava fountains and lava flow emission) now occurring from the central vent on the Holuhraun fissure. ... Read all

More on VolcanoDiscovery

Indonesia
31 Jul-16Aug2022

Volcanoes of Java
The 17-days study and trekking tour crosses Java from West to East and ends on Bali. Along the way, we visit and climb some of its most interesting and active volcanoes: Papandayan and Galunggung in West Java, Merapi in Central Java, Kelud, Semeru, Bromo, the Tengger caldera, and Ijen in East Java.

Reykjanes eruption

Volcanic eruption in Iceland 2021
A new fissure eruption started on Iceland's Reykjanes peninsula in Mar 2021. Follow the latest news and updates on this remarkable event!

Etna Discovery
25 May - 1 June

Etna trekking tour
A tour entirely dedicated to Etna, the most active volcano in Europe. Spend 6 full days on Etna and get good chances to see eruptive activity.

Earthquake Catalog

Look up recent and past quakes worldwide or by selecting an area on the map!

Top 5 Volcano Tours

Best tours to see lava
Visiting an erupting volcano is an unforgettable experience. If you're particularly looking to see "Red Hot Lava", these are among the best places to go to.