Grímsfjall volcano preparing for an eruption (also known as Grímsvötn)

On Wednesday 25-May-2016 a small earthquake swarm took place in Grímsfjall volcano (also known as Grímsvötn), none of the earthquakes that took place managed to reach the magnitude 1,0, many of the earthquakes where shallow and might be glacier movement, rather than actual earthquakes, but in I find it unlikely reason.

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Earthquake activity in Grímsfjall volcano (red dots, blue dots). Copyright of this image belongs to Iceland Met Office.

Since 2011 Grímsfjall volcano has been preparing for an eruption. The eruption in 2011 was the largest one in 140 years at least (VEI=4). The average time between eruptions in Grímsfjall volcano around 5 to 7 years (based on known eruption history). How long it is going to take until Grímsfjall volcano is ready for a new eruption is impossible to know, the current data however suggests that next eruption might not be that many years away. GPS data and other interesting information can be found here.

12 Replies to “Grímsfjall volcano preparing for an eruption (also known as Grímsvötn)”

  1. 1st choice Askja, second choice Hekla. Are we going to have a sweep? ?

    1. I’m with you on this one. Statistically speaking, the odds are in Katla’s favor.

  2. Bardarbunga,most recently active,so statistically greater chance of an eruption?

    1. Can’t really do coin…. Just for the fun of it…

      How about a title: “Volcano Predictor Extrordinaire”

      🙂

      1. I choose Bardabunga but also tossed a coin which landed on Grimsvotn… now I’m confused! 🙂

      2. Flip or toss, there is a difference.

        If it landed on Grimsvötn would that mean its magnetic field is stronger?

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