The volcanic eruption at Holuhraun in the northeastern highlands continues with similar intensity. Lava continues to flow out of the lava lake which has formed in the crater, as observed by the crew of an Icelandic Coast Guard helicopter yesterday.
The lava field continues to grow to the south. During the observation flight, scientists examined conditions by the southern edge of the new lava field where lava is flowing across a 3-5 km (1.2-3.2-mile) wide area, the latest status report from the Scientific Advisory Board of the Icelandic Civil Protection reads.
The lava field now measures 70 square km (27 square miles).
Seismic activity in Bárðarbunga volcano under Vatnajökull glacier continues to be strong. The biggest earthquake that was detected over the last two days occurred on Monday at 10:39 pm and was of magnitude 5.2 (5.1 in the Icelandic Met Office’s update).
In total 15 earthquakes between magnitude 4.0 and 5.0 were detected over the period. From noon on Monday until noon today, the total number of earthquakes in the area numbered around 130. Only few minor earthquakes were detected in the intrusive dike, which connects Bárðarbunga with the eruption site, and at Holuhraun.
An earthquake swarm was detected in Tungnafellsjökll glacier, northwest of Vatnajökull, yesterday. The biggest earthquake hit at 10:07 am and was of magnitude 2.8.
The subsidence of the Bárðarbunga caldera continues at a similar rate as in the last few weeks. Yesterday the GPS station was lifted out of the snow which is falling on the glacier. The sharp rise seen on the graph on the Icelandic Met Office’s website is the result of this movement.
