Scientists predict that Earth is about to enter a “Volcanic” period following two consecutive eruptions of Iceland’s volcano.
A subterranean upsurge beneath the Earth’s surface, ongoing since late last year, has established a new record for magma flow rate, leading authorities in Iceland to declare a state of emergency. The region is grappling with its third volcanic fissure eruption since December. Scientists are examining various volcanic systems spread across the peninsula.
According to Lancaster University’s Dr. Dave McGarvie, the preceding cycle’s eruptions started in eastern systems and periodically progressed westward. Nevertheless, in 2021, the initial eruptions occurred in a system situated closer to the peninsula’s center. Curiously, there are no obvious indications of magma buildup beneath this system; it seems to be entirely inactive at this point. It’s still unclear if this is a transitory state or a long-term change, which implies it won’t happen again during this cycle.
Starting in December, the most recent eruptions have now been seen in a neighboring system a little bit further west. The most recent eruption, which started at around six in the morning local time, has already damaged buildings and roads, including a conduit that provides hot water to tens of thousands of residents. The Icelandic Met Office reports that the volcanic activity has also caused a 3000-meter fracture that stretches from Sundhnúk to Stóra-Scogfell, and that eruption plumes have reached a height of 3000 meters.
