Iceland: Volcanic eruption in Geldingalir continues

The volcanic eruption in Geldingalir continues, the lava flow is stable at a speed of 5-7 m3 per second.

The Icelandic Meteorological Office (IMO) reported on March 29, 2021 that the volcanic eruption at Geldingalir in Reykjanes Peninsula, Iceland has been going on for 9 days, with a steady flow of lava at a speed of 5-7 cubic meters per second.

Since the beginning of the eruption, a lot of data has been collected, including in situ and remote sensing measurements, as well as modeling work to predict the possible behavior of the event in the coming days.

IMO reported that the lava is basaltic and very fluid with little explosive activity.

“This is a very small eruption, and the lava flow since its inception is 5-7 m3 per second.”

Currently, the extent of the lava field is within Geldingadalur, but if the eruption continues at the same rate, it is simulated that the lava will flow east towards the Merardalur valley.

The flowing magma is rich in MgO (8.5%), indicating that it emanates from depths of about 17-20 km.

Constant gas pollution is observed near the eruption site, spatially determined by local wind conditions.

IMO warns that under certain weather conditions, gases can accumulate to life-threatening levels.

Since the eruption began, there have been no signs of significant tectonic movements, and there are currently no signs of new holes appearing elsewhere along the magma injection path.

If the volcano continues to erupt, it could eventually be classified as a shield volcano.

This type of volcano usually forms over long periods of time, and lava fields extend from a few hundred meters to several kilometers around its source.

It is impossible to say how long the eruption will last.

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