Iceland earthquakes, 18000 in a week Fagradalsfjall Volcano

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the recent seismic activity in Iceland, particularly focusing on the 18,000 earthquakes reported in a week and the potential for an imminent volcanic eruption at Fagradalsfjall after a long period of dormancy. Participants explore various aspects of this phenomenon, including the implications of magmatic intrusion, earthquake magnitudes, and the geological context of the Reykjanes peninsula.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Experimental/applied

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants suggest that the recent earthquake activity could indicate a magmatic intrusion in the southeastern quadrant of Iceland.
  • Others note that the USGS reporting criteria may lead to underreporting of smaller earthquakes, which could affect the perceived seismic activity.
  • Several posts highlight increasing magnitudes of earthquakes, with reports of multiple events above magnitude 4.0 and a notable M 5.2 quake near Vogar.
  • Participants discuss the implications of the seismic activity for local residents, including concerns about safety due to potential rock slides.
  • There is mention of the Icelandic Met Office's reports on the increasing seismicity in the Reykjanes peninsula and its historical volcanic activity.
  • Some participants inquire about the capabilities of seismographs to distinguish between different types of seismic events, such as magma movement versus fault quakes.
  • One participant shares information about harmonic tremors associated with magma movement, indicating a different seismic signature compared to typical earthquakes.
  • Recent articles are referenced that discuss public concern over the unprecedented number of earthquakes and the potential for volcanic activity.
  • The discussion includes updates on the aviation color codes related to volcanic activity, indicating heightened alert levels.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a range of viewpoints regarding the implications of the seismic activity, with some suggesting a direct link to potential volcanic eruptions while others focus on the statistical aspects of earthquake reporting. There is no clear consensus on the interpretation of the data or the likelihood of an eruption.

Contextual Notes

Participants note limitations in the data available from different seismic monitoring organizations, as well as the historical context of volcanic activity in the region, which may influence interpretations of the current seismic events.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be of interest to seismologists, volcanologists, residents of Iceland, and those studying geological phenomena related to volcanic activity and earthquake patterns.

  • #91
davenn said:
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Interesting comment about the uplift of a wide area in the peninsula. The author suggests a great eruption than before.
 
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  • #92
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  • #93
Rive said:
... already a live webcam for the event o0)

Yes, they were real quick getting them up and running again a couple of days ago.
I still has them bookmarked/subscribed in Youtube from recent years

Other webcams views ---

Views from Perlan in Reykjavík, Iceland​



Langihryggur - Live from Iceland ( click on the Watch on YT link)​



Reykjanes - Norður​



Reykjanes Suður​



Geldingadalir, Iceland LIVE! Keilir​

 
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  • #95
Smoke (or, maybe just steam) on the live cameras :wink:
 
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  • #96
Rive said:
Smoke (or, maybe just steam) on the live cameras :wink:
Steam and sulfur dioxide, and probably CO2
  • A lava-producing fissure eruption is occurring closeto Litli-Hrútur mountain on the Reykjanes Peninsula.
  • The eruption is occurring in an uninhabited areaand it poses no immediate dangers to infrastructure.
  • The intensity of the eruption has decreasedconsiderably during the first 24 hours
  • Volcanic ash is not being produced by theeruption.
  • Close to the eruption, the main hazards are incandescent,flowing lava and volcanic gases.
  • Gas measurements at the eruption site during thefirst hours show levels similar to the 2022 eruption.
  • Flowing lava could also cause localised grassfires, which will further contribute to poor air quality close to the eruption site.

https://en.vedur.is/about-imo/news/earthquake-activity-in-fagradalsfjall-areahttps://volcano.si.edu/volcano.cfm?vn=371032
Seismicity intensified during 3-4 July. An earthquake swarm began at 1400 on 4 July and more than 1,600 earthquakes were detected beneath Fagradalsfjall, in the vicinity of the July 2022 dike intrusion, by mid-morning on 5 July. The earthquake locations became shallower within the first few hours of the swarm and by 5 July were at depths of 2-3 km. Seven of the earthquakes were above M 4, with the largest being M 4.6 recorded at 0821 on 5 July. At 1055 on 5 July IMO raised the Aviation Color Code to Orange (the third level on a four-color scale).
So looking at the video of the Litli-Hrútur eruption, one can see lava spewing from the fissure.Edit/update: Volcanic eruption has started near Litli-Hrútur
https://icelandmonitor.mbl.is/news/news/2023/07/10/volcanic_eruption_has_started_near_litli_hrutur/

Edit/update2:
https://www.msn.com/en-us/travel/ne...ic-eruption-spewing-noxious-fumes/ar-AA1dHTO8
 
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