Iceland earthquakes, 18000 in a week Fagradalsfjall Volcano

[davenn]

I've been capturing screen shots of Geldingadalir (or Geldingadalur) at different times of the day for the last five days.

Yes, so have I for the last week or so. It's so mesmurising to watch. Wish it wasnt on the far side of the planet from me
and that there was no Covid to kill international travel.

30 Mar. 2021 1946UT

 

[Astronuc]

Wish it wasnt on the far side of the planet from me and that there was no Covid to kill international travel.

I'm waiting for my second Covid vaccine, and Reykjavik is only 2600 mi (4200 km) away, or about 6 hour flight. But it might as well be Perth. I won't be going anytime soon.

The south vent slowed down this morning, but the north vent was spewing. The south vent picked up again this evening.

The volume of lava is amazing and the change in the valley is extraordinary, but then that is how volcanoes and those hills formed. One can see the slow movement of the lava field. The red hot lava is flowing beneath the cooler skin on the surface. I'm wondering what is the difference in chemistry of the lava and the dark rock forming the cone, which must have a higher melting point, since it is not melting into the lava.

 

[Astronuc]

Don't get too close!
https://petapixel.com/2021/03/26/this-is-what-happens-when-you-fly-a-drone-into-a-volcano/
Spectacular images from the drone, but the hot gases melted some of the plastic parts. Better use Ti-alloys for drones over volcanoes.

The frequency of earthquakes and the intensities have diminished.

 

[Astronuc]

Interesting developments in the last 14 hours.

I was watching the northern (left in photo looking from west to east) vent in the main cone and watched a chunk of rock fall into the lava pool (~2215-2216). Shortly thereafter (~2216) there was a large spew of lava.

This morning the lava field has cooled as the amount of lava flowing from the vents has diminished. The lava field cooled and shrunk leaving a channel for future lava flow.

The most interesting development is a new long fissure (to the N or NNE of the cone) started developing early morning. Since 0800, the largest opening is forming a new ridge.

https://grapevine.is/news/2021/04/0...-opens-north-of-geldingadalur-area-evacuated/

 

[Astronuc]

The new vents to the north (or NNE) of Geldingadalir have developed strongly and releasing a lot of lava, some of which is flowing south and should join up with the lava field from Geldingadalir cone. (Note that the images are tilted. The camera, which was facing Geldingadalir was rotated horizontal to aim at the new vents, and that exacerbated the tilt (rotation) of the camera).

Meanwhile the lava flow from Geldingadalir cone seems to have slowed.

A new additional fissure opened at ca. 12:00 hrs today near the initial eruption site in Geldingadalir. First estimates of the length of the fissure is ca. 200 meters, and the middle of the fissure is approximately 1 kilometer NE of the eruption site in Geldingadalir. The lava from the new fissure flows toward Meradalir valley, east of the new fissure.

Helicopters from the Icelandic Coast Guard are at the new eruption site to make sure the area is evacuated. An airplane with scientists is on its way to the fissure for evaluating more precisely the location and the size of the new fissure.

https://en.vedur.is/about-imo/news/new-fissure-near-the-eruption-site-in-geldingadalir

Photos of two new volcanic fissures near to the initial eruption site in Geldingadalir, located approximately 700 meters NE of the craters in Geldingadalir. The new fissures are in total 200 meters long. The lava from the fissures is non viscous and flows fast in a narrow lava-river into Meradalir valley, east of the new fissures, where a new lava field is forming.

The names are not clear to me as yet, but it seems this will be a new volcano, Meradalir.

 

[Astronuc]

Helicopter camera view of new vents. Loftmyndir af nyju sprungunum = Aerial view of new cracks (fissures)
https://www.ruv.is/frett/2021/04/05/loftmyndir-af-nyju-sprungunum
https://www.ruv.is/frett/2021/04/05/tvaer-nyjar-sprungur-og-hraunid-rennur-i-meradali
New lava field from the new vents
https://www.ruv.is/frett/2021/04/05/thetta-getur-gerst-an-nokkurs-fyrirvara
https://www.ruv.is/frett/2021/04/05/gosid-hefur-vaxid-10-rummetrar-af-kviku-a-sekundu (emergency personnel near edge of new lava field).

Map showing extent of lava flow into the valley around Geldingadalir volcano. The new fissures are about 700 meters NE of the Geldingadalir volcano.

Images of the lava field new vents and Geldingadalir volcano at 0800 this morning, and yesterday from helicopter.

People like to get up close to the volcano.
https://www.ruv.is/frett/2021/03/24/iceland-volcano-in-pictures-and-video

 

[AndreasC]

I think Geldingadalur, or whatever they call it, is growing.

I think the webcam on Fagradalsfjall is looking E or ESE, based on a map. So the lava is flowing west, some north, and perhaps some east.

I like how there's just some guy sitting next to it sipping coffee or whatever.

 

[Astronuc]

There have been lots of folks visiting the site of the volcano. Many got up close to the lava field before authorities restricted access due to increased activity, including the development of new vents to the north in an area known as Meradalir.

Edit/update: Some background.
https://www.ruv.is/frett/2021/04/07/eldgosid-ad-staekka-til-nordausturs
https://www.ruv.is/frett/2021/03/18/bein-utsending-fra-gosstodvunum-nyjar-sprungur-opnast

RUV had two cameras watching Geldingadalir, one looking from the west from Fagradalsfjalli, which now seems to be looking from the SW to NE, and the other looking from the N or NW, which has been moved to NE looking SW from Meradalshlíðum. The move of the second camera came in response to the development of new vents (Meradalir) to the NE of Geldingadalir. The lava flow from Geldingadalir has be moving west and filling the valley. The lava flow from Meradalir is flowing eastward in the valley.

About two weeks ago, the largest vent/cone (of Geldingadalir volcano) had a collapse before rebuilding itself. It periodically collapses, sometimes on the outside, but other times large chunks falling back into the lava pool. One such event was videographed.

 

[AndreasC]

There have been lots of folks visiting the site of the volcano. Many got up close to the lava field before authorities restricted access due to increased activity, including the development of new vents to the north in an area known as Meradalir.

Edit/update: Some background.
https://www.ruv.is/frett/2021/04/07/eldgosid-ad-staekka-til-nordausturs
https://www.ruv.is/frett/2021/03/18/bein-utsending-fra-gosstodvunum-nyjar-sprungur-opnast

RUV had two cameras watching Geldingadalir, one looking from the west from Fagradalsfjalli, which now seems to be looking from the SW to NE, and the other looking from the N or NW, which has been moved to NE looking SW from Meradalshlíðum. The move of the second camera came in response to the development of new vents (Meradalir) to the NE of Geldingadalir. The lava flow from Geldingadalir has be moving west and filling the valley. The lava flow from Meradalir is flowing eastward in the valley.

About two weeks ago, the largest vent/cone (of Geldingadalir volcano) had a collapse before rebuilding itself. It periodically collapses, sometimes on the outside, but other times large chunks falling back into the lava pool. One such event was videographed.

Beautiful video, thanks!

 

[Astronuc]

Time lapse from March 20 to April 6, 17 Days, 60 Minutes - Volcanic Eruption in Geldingadalir Iceland



Interesting commentary: Fagradalsfjall Volcano Eruption Update; A New Fissure Has Opened in Iceland

 

[Tom.G]

Interesting presentation on the geology of Iceland:

 

[anorlunda]

Here is some more amazing drone clips. Modern drones are fantastic; especially if they go beyond the FAA's line-of-sight limit applicable in the USA.

 

[Astronuc]

Lava flow into Meradalir (valley) is about 1.2 km long. The new cone (north east of original cone, Geldingadalir) has grown much faster and is taller. Geldingadalir cones occasionally collapsed into itself, or sometimes to the outside into the lava flow.

 

[Astronuc]

Volcanic vents keep developing along the fissures in Geldingadalir and Meradilir valleys. The valley area to the west of the two original vents on a hill of the Geldingadalir seems to be filled with lava. There was a third large vent to the north toward the Meradalir valley, but now there are 8 vents. One of the more recent vents:

 

[Astronuc]

The lava field continues to increase in volume. At least 8 vents are pumping out lava.



A map shows the location of 3 cameras.

 

[Astronuc]

Cameras are moved periodically, so it's hard to tell which cone one is observing. They keep producing lava.

This evening, one of the cones of Geldingadalir seen from Fagradalsfjall, Iceland.

 

[DrDu]

My son and I made it during the easter vacations to Island and also managed to visit the volcano! It was the first active volcano we ever saw, what an experience! It is very impressive to also hear the splashing sounds of the lava when it falls back after being erupted. What is somewhat hard to judge from the pictures are the dimensions of the lava fields, especially their height.
How to get there?

My son and I recovered from a Covid infection last year, so with a medical certificate, we could enter Island without any further tests (in the meantime, you are required to take one on immigration) and also didn't have to pass through quarantine. The same applies for persons with full immunization. Other persons need a test before taking the plane, on immigration and after, I think 4 days of quarantine. The regulations also depend on your region of origin and risk status of your country.

The volcano is only at few kilometers from the international airport Keflavík, so eventually you can get a car directly at the airport.

We visited the volcano starting from Reykjavik using the "volcano bus" by Reykjavik excursions:
https://www.re.is/tour/volcano-bus/ which brings you directly to the most proximate point accessible by car (they were constructing feverishly parking lots there at the time) . From there you have to hike about 1,5 to 2 hours to the volcano. I am not an experienced hiker and thanked God for the walking sticks I had brought. Make sure to go well equiped (hiking boots etc.) and bring some proviant.
The trail is hard to miss as it is marked and there are always hundreds of persons on the trail a difficult hill slope is secured with a cord to hold on. Civil protection have a large ambulance tent set on the top of one of the hills, so this is quite a secure hiking trail.
The bus left at 11h in the morning from Reykjavik and we were picked up again in the evening which also carried the persons who had booked the evening tour. I was quite glad we hadn't booked the evening tour as I am not sure if I would have made the return trip in darkness with a headlight only. Of course it must be even more spectacular to see the volcano in the darkness.

 

[Astronuc]

Three active volcano vents. The speaker gives a warning about the gas in the area.

No. 1 volcano is the first cone (southernmost), No. 2 is the second cone (northernmost, which has become the largest) and No. 3 is the small cone between 1 and 2.

 

[anorlunda]

The videos are mesmerizing. My wife compared looking at them to staring into the flames of a campfire. If we lived in Iceland, I'm sure we would be among the people hiking out there to see it first hand.

I'm surprised at how long those lava rivers retain their heat. The energy radiates upward, it warms the bedrock underneath, and it causes air currents and even vortices. But the surface gets covered by solidified material and lava tubes can form, insulating the material underneath from the sky.

I would love to see a thermal analysis of the dynamics. Can anyone suggest a source?

 

[Astronuc]

I would love to see a thermal analysis of the dynamics. Can anyone suggest a source?

I'm sure one will come out some time.

In the meantime, other areas have been analyzed.

New Insights for Detecting and Deriving Thermal Properties of Lava Flow Using Infrared Satellite during 2014–2015 Effusive Eruption at Holuhraun, Iceland
https://www.mdpi.com/2072-4292/10/1/151/htm

Heat transfer in volcanic settings: Application to lava-ice interaction and geothermal areas
https://notendur.hi.is/mtg/nemritg/BO-PhD_2016.pdf

Thermal conductivity of supraglacial volcanic deposits in Iceland
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00531-020-01820-0

The problem with those studies is that the composition, and thus thermal conductivity, may be different.

 

[Astronuc]

I sometimes take a sequence of screen captures to see how the volcano vents behave.

Image of the volcano in Geldingadalir, seen from Langihryggur, Iceland. The activity varies considerable to little lava flow with mostly vapor to some significant bursts of lava and rock.

 

[Astronuc]

The initial vent (at Geldingadalir viewed from Fagradalsfjall) over 17 days from March 20 through April 5, when the new fissure opened to the northnortheast (NNE). Basically the valley is filled now with new black basaltic lava. The other valley to the east, Meradalir, is being filled by the new vents, which also seem fill some of the valley of Geldingadalir.

 

[Astronuc]

Apparently dikes, or walls, were built to stop the flow of lava from the valleys in Iceland, and apparently a lot of lava is still flowing out of the volcanoes, or cones, in Geldingadalir and Meradalir.



A spectacular geyser of lava.

 

[anorlunda]

Apparently dikes, or walls, were built to stop the flow of lava from the valleys in Iceland, and apparently a lot of lava is still flowing out of the volcanoes, or cones, in Geldingadalir and Meradalir.

Lava is like elephants and the sea. It goes where it want to. Don't bet on the people who think they can stop it.

 

[Astronuc]

Lava is like elephants and the sea. It goes where it want to. Don't bet on the people who think they can stop it.

In the past, the Icelanders stopped a lava flow by spraying water on the lava field. In the remote valleys of Geldingadalir and Meradalir, they don't have a water supply. They are concerned about infrastructure, e.g., road, houses and fiber optic cables through the area. All that would get buried by many meters of lava if it keeps flowing to the sea.

Maybe they could create a channel to send it where they want it, or would do the least damage.

 

[BillTre]

Maybe they could create a channel to send it where they want it, or would do the least damage.

Attempts at this have been tried.
Here is a nice little article about it.

In some situations, there is not a lot you can do.
In the recent Kilauea eruption, a lot of the lava flows were in little valleys between the hardened remnants of previous flows. Lava flows can be 30 or 40 feet above the surrounding terrain, as the edges cool enough to harden and the lava backs up behind it. Therefore there are often little valleys between the old flows so new lava tends to go there.

 

[anorlunda]

A new report today. It seems that unlike water, lava sometimes flows uphill.

 

[Astronuc]

The volcano is producing huge volume of lava. I think early on, it was something like 3 to 5 m³/s, but I hear a number that was like 8 to 13 m³/s from the largest vent (cone). I don't know if there is only one cone or still multiple leaks since apparently some of the older vents are now covered.



Geldingadalir: Iceland's newest volcano offers rare opportunities. There were 9 active vents, but only Vent 5 is now active.

 

[anorlunda]

This report today says that the scientists in Iceland now say that this eruption will continue for 100-300 years.

 

[Astronuc]

This report today says that the scientists in Iceland now say that this eruption will continue for 100-300 years.

I heard that yesterday. It's a new experience for contemporary scientists. Apparently, volcanologists and geochemists are trying to get to Iceland. I'd like to go myself.

 

[Tom.G]

I'd like to go myself.

If you do go, be sure to include continuous trip reports in your plans!

 

[anorlunda]

I'd like to go myself.

Me too. That gives us lots of time to save up fir the trip.

 

[Astronuc]

This $1300 drone got a bit too close to the Fagradalsfjall volcano.



Earlier this month (DJI MAVIC 2 PRO and DJI FPV.)

 

[Astronuc]

Monday, June 28, 2021 - Increased Volcanic Activity by Fagradalsfjall
https://icelandmonitor.mbl.is/news/...ncreased_volcanic_activity_by_fagradalsfjall/

A satellite picture taken Saturday shows much more volcanic activity than before at the eruption site by Fagradalsfjall, Southwest Iceland, mbl.is reports. If this development continues, lava will flow sooner than previously expected from Nátthagakriki valley over Suðurstrandarvegur road - an important road that connects the town of Grindavík and South Iceland.

Still going strong.



Wall in the Natthagi Valley! Iceland June 29 - valley is filling with lava

 

[Astronuc]

Evolution of the eruption in Iceland Geldingadalir



Evolution of volcano in Iceland Geldingadalir Pt. 2