Iceland's second largest volcano, Bárðarbunga, is showing signs of an imminent eruption, according to experts. The Icelandic Meteorological Office (IMO) reported a surge of 130 earthquakes within a five-hour period, indicating heightened volcanic activity. Located beneath Iceland's largest ice cap, Vatnajökull, Bárðarbunga last erupted a decade ago, triggering a red travel alert.
Iceland 's second largest volcano, Bárðarbunga , is showing signs of an imminent eruption, according to experts. The Iceland ic Meteorological Office ( IMO ) reported a surge of 130 earthquakes within a five-hour period, indicating heightened volcanic activity. Located beneath Iceland 's largest ice cap, Vatnajökull , Bárðarbunga last erupted a decade ago, triggering a red travel alert.
Professor Valentin Troll, a petrology and geochemistry expert at Uppsala University in Sweden, believes the earthquake swarm could precede an eruption. However, he cautions that while such swarms are often precursors, they don't always result in an eruption. Troll explains that if an eruption occurs, it might resemble the 2014/15 event, characterized by spectacular visuals but posing minimal threat to populated areas, livestock, or infrastructure due to its remote location. Conversely, an eruption within the caldera (under the ice) could lead to disruptive phreatomagmatic eruptions, where magma/lava interacts with glacial meltwater, causing steam explosions.The IMO first raised concerns on Tuesday when strong earthquakes, starting shortly after 6 am UTC, were recorded in the northwestern part of the Bárðarbunga caldera. The earthquake activity peaked until around 9 am UTC before gradually subsiding. Nonetheless, tremors continue to be detected in the area. The most powerful quake, registered at 8:05 UTC, reached a magnitude of 5.1, capable of causing minor damage. A total of 17 earthquakes measured a magnitude of 3 or higher. Bárðarbunga has witnessed an increasing frequency of earthquakes in recent months. Notably, four earthquakes with a magnitude of 5 or higher were detected in 2024. As a precautionary measure, the aviation color-code for Bárðarbunga has been elevated from green to yellow, signifying heightened activity above normal background levels. This color-code system provides pilots and aviation authorities with information regarding the potential presence of volcanic ash in the atmosphere, which can disrupt flights. The IMO acknowledges the uncertainty surrounding the volcano's future activity, stating that several scenarios are possible. Magma intrusions or dyke formations from the caldera could lead to eruptions outside the caldera. Alternatively, an eruption could occur within the caldera itself. An eruption beneath the glacier might trigger explosive ash emissions and glacial outburst floods. Conversely, an eruption outside the glacier would likely result in lava-producing events. The IMO remains vigilant, closely monitoring the situation.
Science Volcano Eruption Iceland Bárðarbunga Vatnajökull Earthquakes Icelandic Meteorological Office IMO Phreatomagmatic Eruptions
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