The magma flows much faster now than after the last eruption
Landris under Svartsengi is much faster now than after the last eruption on the Sundhnúkagígar series. The speed is similar to the first eruption in December 2023 and at the beginning of 2024.
« We are seeing very high speed now and we have to see how it develops, whether it slows down. It has always done it, started very fast and then it slows down, » says Benedikt Gunnar Ófeigsson, professional director of the Icelandic Meteorological Office.
However, the speed now is considerably higher than before.
Benedikt points out that the last event was particularly large, although the eruption has lasted short, and the speed difference can be greater.
The last eighth eighth was in the series since the eruption began.
Most wisely waiting with interpretations
« The flow is much faster than after the last eruption and is comparable to that at the beginning of 2024, » says Benedikt.
At this speed, it does not take long for the magma chamber to be filled.
« If this continues at this speed, this is just a short period of time where it can be filled, but if it slows down then it can be much further. »
The uncertainty, however, is so great that it is most sensible to wait and see what the development will be next week or weeks, before interpreting what this means and draw up scenarios.
The graph/weather station
Unlikely that the speed remains
« If this continues at this speed then the next eruption is short, » says Benedikt, but states that it is unlikely to happen. It is more likely to slow down the flow.
« It is extremely unlikely that this will continue at this speed, so it has not behaved, » he says, and continues:
« What is most likely to be running is simply that when the pressure decreases, there is less resistance to the inflow. Therefore, you get faster inflows, so the tank will be filled, then it becomes more difficult to pump into it.
The graph/weather station
