New eruption could start with little notice
Model calculations show that the magma that ran from Svartsengi to Sundhnúksgígar crater row on Saturday was about 1.3 million cubic meters. mbl.is/Eggert Jóhannesson
Magma levels under the Svartsengi volcano are continuing to increase, which could end in a new magma outburst and even a volcanic eruption. A volcanic eruption could start with very short notice, even less than 30 minutes. It is also most likely that an eruption will occur between Stóra-Skógafell and Hagafell.
This is stated in an updated news story on the Icelandic Met Office’s website about the situation on the Reykjanes peninsula.
1.3 million square metres
It also says that probability calculations show that the amount of magma that ran on Saturday from Svartsengi to the Sundhnúkagígar crater row was 1.3 million cubic meters.
“It was previously calculated that about half a million cubic meters of magma accumulates under the Svartsengi channel every day. Unchanged, the total magma level under the Svartsengi channel will reach about 9 million cubic meters by the end of the day tomorrow, Tuesday,” the announcement states.
Increased chance of new magma run
Furthermore, it is stated that in previous events, magma flowed when the total magma accumulated under the Black Sea was between 8 million and 13 million cubic meters.
“There is therefore an increased chance of a new magma run and volcanic eruption once this amount has been reached.
It can however be pointed out that after a repeat of the eruption in Mt Fagradalsfjall, there were examples of magma creeping up to the surface without a great deal of seismic activity. It must be assumed that there could be development with the activity on the Sundhnúkagígar crater row,” the announcement states.
