A strong earthquake, of magnitude 5.0, occurred in the Bárðarbunga caldera in Vatnajökull glacier at 8:14 this morning. The earthquake could be felt as far away as Akureyri, which lies at a distance of over 100 km (62 miles) from the epicenter, ruv.is reports.
Seismic activity appears to be intensifying again, after a relatively quiet night. Scientists have explained that while most earthquakes occur in the intrusive dike stretching north of Dyngjujökull outlet glacier towards the Askja region, the strongest quakes hit the Bárðarbunga caldera due to pressure changes as magma flows out of it into the dike.
Scientists are now on an observation flight over Vatnajökull and are expected to report on the latest developments at 11 pm. The Iceland Review team is following the situation closely and will post updates as the events unfold.
