Large crevice at site of landslide
An aerial view of the crevice in Fagraskógarfjall mountain. Photo/Jens Þór Sigurðarson/The Icelandic Coast Guard
A large crevice was detected over the weekend in Fagraskógarfjall mountain in Hítardalur valley, West Iceland, according to the Icelandic Met Office. The crevice was detected by a team from the Icelandic Coast Guard during routine practice near the location of the large landslide that occurred in the same mountain on July 7. That landslide had a volume of 10-20 million m3. The crevice is located close to the subsequent July 13 collapse of lava beds from the top of the mountain.
The part of the mountain that has separated from the edge is between 50,000 and 150,000 m3, but should it collapse, it is not believed to be able to fall far into the flatland below. It should instead collapse on top of the previous landslide.
It is common for displacements to take place in the wounds of landslides. Therefore, the Met Office reiterates a warning to travelers and hikers not to venture near the location of the landslide.
For more information on displacements in Fagraskógarfjall mountain prior to the July 7 landslide, visit en.vedur.is.
