Yellow alert put up for Öræfajökull volcano

The new caldera can be seen clearly on this image.

The new caldera can be seen clearly on this image. Photo/Ágúst J. Magnússon

A new caldera, measuring a diameter of one kilometres has been formed in this last week in Öræfajökull glacier, a caldera spotted via satellite images of the glacier.

According to the Iceland Met Office this caldera shows increased activity in Öræfajökull which is located in Vatnajökull, Iceland's largest glacier.

A great sulphuric stench has eminated from the river Kvíá last week.

Mynd/Eldfjalla- og Náttúruvárhópur Háskóla Íslands

Increased seismic activity has occured in the area in recent months, activity which has subsided in recent days. The volcano hasn't erupted since 1727. There are still no signs of an imminent eruption states an announcement from the Met Office. However, the safety code has been put up to yellow.

Weather

Light snow

Today

-1 °C

Light rain

Later today

2 °C

Overcast

Tomorrow

3 °C

Warning: Yellow More