On Wednesday, a volcano began spewing lava in the Geldingadalur valley area on the Reykjanes Peninsula after approximately ten thousand earthquakes over a week.
Earthquake activity decreased
Now magma is seeping through a long crack, just a couple of miles outside Reyjkavik. There are also lava fountains that are between 10 and 15 meters high.
– It is a significantly stronger eruption in the initial phase than last time. That’s why we warn more about gases, says seismologist Björn Lund.
Earthquake activity should now have decreased, according to him.
– We use earthquakes to see if something is going on in an area and you can then follow how the lava pushes up through the earth’s crust. When it pushes forward we usually get tremors and once the volcanic eruption starts it usually calms down.
No greater risk of ash clouds or explosions
Despite the eruption occurring a couple of miles from Iceland’s capital, Reyjkavik, there is no major risk to people or buildings.
– However, sulfur dioxide and other gases are dangerous. Then it can become sulfuric acid in the rain, which is dangerous to breathe in, he says and continues:
– Last year during the outbreak, authorities had to tell people in certain areas to stay indoors and close windows.
Björn Lund is careful to point out that it takes a lot of lava to even reach a road.
– There are also no glaciers nearby, so there probably won’t be explosions with ash eruptions like twelve years ago.
“Incredible experience”
For Icelanders, it is quite safe that it takes place in an area without buildings and in the same place as last year’s volcanic eruption, says Jenny Eriksson, who lives in Iceland.
Icelandic authorities have warned tourists from approaching the volcano as it can be dangerous. But Jenny Eriksson believes that it is an experience you absolutely cannot miss:
– It is dangerous if you go too close. When some people get close, you feel a little bit that it’s not okay, she says and continues:
– It is an incredible experience. You don’t want to miss it.