It has been over 10 months since the eruption near Grindavík in Iceland started. Multiple eruptions have occurred, tapping into a magma source beneath the island. The lava fountains and flows have covered a significant area near the small fishing village and Blue Lagoon hydrothermal area. Fortunately, there has only been one death and two injuries, showcasing Iceland’s careful volcano monitoring efforts.
One positive aspect of the Sundhnúkur eruptions is that volcanologists have been able to observe signs of impending eruptions and sample the lava. This allows for the construction of a time series to understand the lead-up to eruptions and changes in lava composition during eruptions.
The Icelandic Meteorological Office (IMO) has been monitoring ground deformation between eruptions to determine the magma threshold for a new eruption. The inflation of the Earth’s surface can indicate magma filling up reservoirs in the crust. The data shows that eruptions occur after the system accumulates 10-20 million cubic meters of magma. The current magma accumulation stands at around 4 million cubic meters, suggesting a possible delay before a new eruption.
Volcanologists have been studying the chemical and isotopic composition of the lava to understand the magmatic system under the Sundhnúkur eruptions. Recent research indicates that the system may be more complex than previously thought. The lava’s composition suggests that magma is stored in discrete batches rather than a large reservoir, with different sources for each batch.
Understanding how magma is stored and tapped during eruptions helps refine eruption prediction models. By studying the changes in magma composition and crust deformation, scientists can improve their understanding of volcanic processes. This research sheds light on the intricate nature of volcanic systems and the factors influencing eruptions.