Fagradalsfjall volcano update: lava flow discharge rate has increased
Wed, 12 May 2021, 09:23
09:23 AM | BY: MARTIN
The graph depicts parameters of the lava flow discharge rate, lava flow area, lava volume, rock geochemistry and volcanic gases since the eruption began (image: IMO)
According to the latest measurements by the University of Iceland's Institute of Earth Sciences from 10 May, the lava flow discharge rate increased significantly, from 8 to 13 cubic meters per second! The effusive eruption is now twice as it has been during the most of the active period. Lava flows traveling and continue to fill into the Meradalir valley.
The current lava volume is approximately 30 million cubic meters erupted from all vents.
A formation of lava flows in the near future indicates that the eruption shows no signs of ceasing and will not end soon as reported Kristín Jónsdóttir, group leader of the Icelandic Met Office. There is no clue at this moment if the eruption will continues to increase and how long will last.
The eruption has entered a phase of being more volatile likely reflected to changes at magma chamber at depths between 15-20 km.
Only what exactly causes this change to a rhythmic pattern is more difficult to know: one model might be it is caused by newly developed blockages in the (upper) plumbing system, or "bottlenecks", and / or, likely in combination with the arrival of more gas-rich magma.
Source: Icelandic Met Office volcano activity update 12 May 2021
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Previous news
Thu, 6 May 2021, 07:05
The eruption continues with pulsating short-lived lava fountains at regular intervals. The intervals changed this morning from a rhythm of approx. 10 minutes to half an hour, but the height reached by some lava jets surpassed 400 m, the Icelandic Met office (IMO) reported. Read all
Tue, 4 May 2021, 15:56
The activity has remained similar as during the past 48 hours, characterized by intermittent episodes of pulsating lava fountains from the central vent following periods of calm lava effusion. ... Read all
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