Just like a few days before the eruption
Black lava stretching over the white snow. Seen to the north from the Sundhnúkagígar crater row and over the black lava field that has taken over the white snowy terrain. To the left Grindavíkurvegur road can be seen going south through the defensive walls and past Mt. Sýlingarfell. Stóra-Skógfell mountain is standing further away in the middle by the edge of the lava field. Sundhnúkur mountain can be seen down to the left on the crater row, but it was formed 2,400 years ago. Photo/Hörður Kristleifsson/@h0rdur
There are indications that a volcanic eruption may start again around the turn of the year.
The latest measurements from the Icelandic Met Office since Christmas Day show that the land rise in Svartsengi had reached the same height as measured between December 11 and 12, or six to seven days before the eruption broke out on December 18.
Geoscientists Benedikt G. Ófeigson and Þorvaldur Þórðarson both say that the development of the development of the land rise in recent days is similar to the development before that volcanic eruption.
Considers eruptions more likely than magma-runs
When asked, Þórðarson says that the volcanic eruption could either end in a magma-run, as happened on November 10, or an eruption similar to the one that occurred earlier this month.
When asked if he thinks it is more likely, he mentions a volcanic eruption.
“This could happen in the first week of January,” he added.
Uncertainty due to land rising
Fannar Jónasson, mayor of Grindavík, says there is a certain amount of uncertainty, especially in light of the land continuing to rise.
“It’s expected that the situation will be assessed now between Christmas and New Year, and then, as appropriate, a new announcement will be made by the Chief of the South Iceland Police about the future,” Fannar says.
The Chief of Police announced on 22 December that Grindvíkingar could celebrate Christmas at home. It is estimated that on Christmas Eve people were in 50-60 houses in Grindavík.
