This has become almost a daily occurrence. But today there was one harmonic tremor spike (at least) in Katla volcano. It is unclear why this harmonic tremor spikes happen in Katla volcano. But they often do happen just before a earthquake swarm starts, but often several hours before (sometimes). I am not sure why that is. But one idea is that this activity is connected to hydrothermal areas that are under the Mýrdalsjökull glacier.
Earthquake activity has been quiet in Katla volcano today. But it is hard to know for sure if that is going to last. As earthquake activity appears to be on the rise in Katla volcano during the whole of the year 2011 according to news in Iceland (see earlier blog post for details).
Harmonic tremor spike as seen on Lágu Hvolar SIL station. The spike is between 04/09 and 05/09. The spike is a small top in the tremor chart (hard to spot). Copyright of this picture belongs to Iceland Met Office.
Harmonic tremor spike as seen on Snæbýli SIL station. The spike is between 04/09 and 05/09. The spike is the broad band that suddenly appears in the tremor data. It is easier to see then on Lágu Hvolar. Please note that it seems that Snæbýli SIL station has gone offline again, as it has stopped updating. Copyright of this picture belongs to Iceland Met Office.
It is clear that Katla volcano is going for a eruption. But the question remains is just when that is going to be, but it is impossible to predict when a eruption is going to take place in Katla volcano. But the signs have come clear in my opinion in this matter. For the moment it is just waiting and watching. But this might be a long wait until something happens in Katla volcano.