Geologists who are flying over Eyjafjallajökull in TF-SIF, the Icelandic Coast Guard plane, say that a large fault trough (graben) has formed around the crater which is up under the summit of the glacier.

The Icelandic Coast Guard. The photo is not related to the story. By Páll Stefánsson.

Great changes have occurred over the last hour. They considered, just after 9 am, that the gap itself could be 200 meters. However, no eruption or fissure could be seen due to the cloudy weather. TIF-SIF is equipped with equipment that can penetrate through clouds, ruv.is reports.

The geologists can see that the fissure is about 500 meters. There is ash fall to the east close to Fimmvörduháls. The cloud of volcanic ash and smoke has now risen up to 22,000 feet.

The eruption is only in the top crater, not in the southern sides. The glacial river is in flood, 1,000 cubic meters per second, and is increasing.

The walking bridge over the lagoon has disappeared and the flood has greatly increased from the glacial tongue Gígjökull. It reaches halfway to the Markarfljót river.

People in cars who are currently by the river should get to Hvolsvöllur as soon as possible. The Civil Defense Agency requests those who went to tend animals in Landeyjar to do the same. They are urged to get themselves to Hvolsvöllur immediately.

In a low flight by Mt. Pétursey and west by Mt. Eyjafjall, geologists in TF-SIF did not see any changes in the watercourse there. The flood appeared to go further north and down the Markarfljót sands.

Our special offer for the Iceland Review magazine with eruption photos and article.

Related articles: