Geologist and hydrographer Snorri Zóphóníasson at the Icelandic Met Office said Skaftá glacial river in South Iceland is being monitored closely with sensors and other equipment in case of a glacial outburst flood in Vatnajökull.
Vatnajökull. Photo: Páll Stefánsson/Iceland Review.
Scientists pay special attention to increased conductivity of the water, which is a sign of an imminent flood, ruv.is reports.
Seismic activity in the area is also being monitored.
One of the sub-glacial lakes, Skaftárkatlar, is full, which indicates that a glacial outburst flood will occur. Snorri said automatic sensors in Skaftá will alert the Icelandic Met Office if any changes take place.
Snorri added that it wouldn’t surprise him if a flood would occur in the near future but it is impossible to say when exactly.
Related:
14.08.2013 | Flood Predicted in South Iceland
ESA
