An Icelandic town is facing the threat of a volcanic eruption, triggered by thousands of small earthquakes that have occurred in the southern part of the Reykjanes peninsula. These earthquakes are a result of a massive movement of magma from deep within the Earth, which has created a 15-kilometre-long crack between 2 and 5 kilometres underground. As of 3pm GMT on 14 November, no eruption has taken place yet.
Possible Timing of Eruption
There is uncertainty regarding when the volcanic eruption might occur. While it is likely that an eruption will happen, it is not certain. It is possible that the mass of magma may remain in place and gradually cool instead of erupting.
Current Situation
The recent movements of the magma have caused the ground to crack and shift, leading to up to a metre of sinking in some areas. This has resulted in significant damage in the coastal town of Grindavík, which sits directly above the magma tunnel.
Impacted Areas and Evacuation
The magma intrusion passes under Grindavík and extends inland near a geothermal power plant called Svartsengi, located just a couple of kilometres away from the popular tourist attraction, the Blue Lagoon spa. As a precaution, the 3000 residents of Grindavík have been evacuated from the area. The Blue Lagoon has been temporarily closed.
Potential Consequences of an Eruption
If an eruption occurs, it could lead to the formation of a fissure vent and the release of lava flow. The extent of damage would depend on the location and volume of the lava released. Additionally, there is a possibility of an explosive eruption if the rising lava encounters large amounts of groundwater or if the eruption occurs underwater, leading to the formation of steam. However, experts believe that any eruptions are likely to cause fairly gentle explosions with fire fountains feeding lava flows.
Protection Measures
While Iceland has previously employed earthen “dams” to redirect lava flows and safeguard critical infrastructure, the 15-kilometre extent of the magma tunnel in this case presents significant challenges. It is unclear where or if the lava will begin to flow.
Potential Impact on Air Travel
The type of basalt eruptions that occur in the Reykjanes peninsula rarely produce substantial ash, unlike the 2010 Eyjafjallajökull eruption. Therefore, it is unlikely that there will be a significant impact on air travel. However, there is a slight possibility of ash clouds from a submarine eruption affecting air traffic at Keflavík international airport.
Insights
The discovery of a 15km long magma tunnel beneath a town in Iceland has raised concerns about the potential for a volcanic eruption. The complex geographical and geological factors involved in the situation make it challenging to predict the exact timing and impact of any potential eruption. The measures taken in response to this threat, including the evacuation of residents and the temporary closure of a popular tourist attraction, highlight the serious nature of the situation and the need for caution.
