Iceland volcano: This volcanic burst is probably not short-lived – and all that may be accomplished is let nature take its course
The molten rock that has been build up beneath southwest Iceland has erupted in spectacular fountains of lava.
A gash two miles lengthy has opened up on the Reykjanes peninsula, spewing between 100 and 200 cubic metres of lava each second. That’s way over in different latest eruptions within the space.
Incredible footage shows spewing lava – live updates
There had been a chronic pause within the volcanic rumblings.
It’s 5 weeks since 4,000 people were evacuated from the nearby fishing town of Grindavik in the midst of the night time after an intense swarm of earthquakes.
But seismic exercise petered out within the following days and scientists started to wonder if the magma would solidify and by no means attain the floor.
But on Monday night time there was one other earthquake swarm and the floor ripped open quickly after.
Iceland eruption caught on digital camera
The lava is at present flowing about half a mile an hour north and west, away from the city, which is little greater than a mile from the southern finish of the eruption.
But the rip within the Earth has been extending and if it reaches a south-facing slope then the city may very well be in danger.
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A two-mile lengthy gash has opened up within the Earth’s floor Pic: Icelandic coast guard/AP
The Svartsengi energy station, which offers electrical energy to 1000’s of houses, additionally appears to be secure for now. The authorities have been constructing a wall of rock and grime to guard the ability from any lava circulate.
According to the Icelandic Met Office, the seismic and GPS information suggests the eruption has eased because the night time has progressed. But that does not imply will probably be a short-lived burst of volcanic exercise.
It’s possible that the huge strain that has pushed the magma in direction of the floor has been lowered.
Scientists will wish to have a detailed take a look at the eruption space in daylight to get a greater thought of what is going on on.
The authorities had loads of warning this might occur and other people have been moved out of hurt’s method.
It is now a matter of simply letting nature take its course.