Researchers believe that the dangerous Icelandic area has become active again – the port city of Grindavik is in a dangerous situation.
At the end of last year, the Icelandic port city of Grindavik, with a population of around 4,000, found itself in mortal danger; A fault that has been dormant for the last 800 years has reawakened beneath it. Live Science writes that local authorities were forced to evacuate the local population to avoid casualties.
By the end of December, seismic activity in the region decreased until a new eruption occurred on January 14. Now researchers from the Icelandic Meteorological Office (IMO) suggest that “the area has become active again” and the Icelandic volcano is preparing for a new eruption.
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Scientists warn that a volcanic eruption in Iceland today appears “inevitable” as magma continues to accumulate and advance along a “corridor” beneath Grindevik. Additionally, scientists noticed that the land around Svartsenga, located about 4 kilometers north of the port city, continues to rise. Experts believe that such events are a sign that the volcanic activity is not over yet.
IMO researchers state that if magma accumulation in the Earth’s interior stops, the land around Svartsengi will begin to shrink. However, this does not occur and therefore scientists believe that magma continues to accumulate below the surface. In addition, observations show that the earth continues to deform in Grindavik as well – scientists are noticing more and more new cracks, and old ones are becoming wider.
Based on all of the above events, there remains a risk of another fissure opening and lava pouring onto the surface, according to Carmen Solana, associate professor of volcanology and risk communication at the University of Portsmouth in the United Kingdom. Scientists also concluded that after some lull, the region resumed its activities.
At the same time, scientists admit that it is still unknown what will happen next, but the situation is definitely unstable. All three cracks that exist today are actually parts of the same system below the surface. If magma continues to accumulate and flow through tunnels beneath and beyond Grindavik, the cracks are likely to grow further.
Scientists also noticed that in each of Iceland’s previous eruptions, the lava flow stopped for a few days and then the cycle likely started again. According to Thorvaldur Thordarson, professor of volcanology at the University of Iceland, we will most likely see a repeat event today, but no one can say how long it will last. The main problem is that scientists still cannot pinpoint the location of the breakthroughs; This will happen at the weakest points, but the situation is changing too quickly to predict.
Previously Focus He wrote that the awakening of a volcano in Iceland would be the beginning of a 500-year cycle.
Source: Focus
Ashley Fitzgerald is an accomplished journalist in the field of technology. She currently works as a writer at 24 news breaker. With a deep understanding of the latest technology developments, Ashley’s writing provides readers with insightful analysis and unique perspectives on the industry.