This is a short update on the eruption in Fagradalsfjall mountain. This eruption is part of the volcano system Krýsuvík-Trölladyngja volcano system.
The eruption continues as before but increase in lava output has been detected and is now 70% more according to latest news from Icelandic Met Office and Earth science of University of Iceland. Compared to the start of the eruption on 19-March-2021.
- The eruption continues in one main crater. It erupts in lava fountain style at the writing of this article. With highest lava fountains reaching the height of 400 to 500 meters. The lava fountains can be seen from Reykjavík and other nearby area.
- The lava field is about to reach Nátthagi valley and there is now an attempt to stop that from happening. Because of nearby road and fibre optic cable that runs through that area. It is my estimate that attempts to stop the lava flow are going to fail when the lava flow starts going back to Nátthagi valley.
- The main crater is now 50 to 90 meters high. But his height is always changing because of continued collapse from it inside it and outside it. The process of collapse is slowly growing the crater volume and size.
- The magma seems to be coming from even deeper part of the mantle compared to with start of the eruption. Based on lava changes in the chemical makeup.
- There are no signs of the eruption about to be ending soon.
It is difficult to know for sure what happens next in the eruption. Opening up of new craters outside of current line of craters is something that might happen. With the eruption growing in size it is difficult to know for sure what is going to happen next in Fagradalsfjall mountain.
On the ruv.is webcam you can see a path going up the ridge of the hill next to the crater, the people on the path give a good perspective of the size of the edifice.
Today May 18, you can see the earthen dams made to hold back the lava in the foreground of the ruv.is webcam.
Any ideas on how it is going!
Jon – I’m surprised that you’re not more active and informative with regard to this eruption. For example, rather than to simply state that the chemical composition of the magma has changed, explain how it has changed and offer some analysis as to what that change might imply as to the future course of the eruption of Fagradalsfjall.
I am not a chemist when it comes to lava or magma types. I know something but not enough to tell people what the measurements mean. I know the basic but that is about it when it comes to magma chemical fingerprinting.
I do try to translate what information I am reading about the eruption that are outside of my knowledge.