Massive Icelandic volcano due to erupt, say scientists

Iceland’s second largest volcano is showing signs of an upcoming eruption which would dwarf last year’s Eyjafjallajökull event.

The giant Bárdarbunga volcano, set right above a mantle plume of molten rock in the centre of Iceland, is showing signs of renewed seismicity including increased earthquake activity indicative of rising lava beneath the surface.

According to Pall Einarsson, geophysics professor at Iceland University, the possible outcome and scale of the current activity is difficult to forecast due to the low number of sensors in the remote area, but adds the sustained earth tremors in the north east of the volcanic range are the strongest recorded since Bárdarbunga’s last eruption in 1910.

The remote central region of Iceland, covered with glaciers, is the most seismically active in the country and the present tremors are centered on the north-west area of the Vatnajökull glacier. Their depth cannot be accurately measured due to lack of sensors in the vicinity, but scientists agree they are an indication of increased pressure beneath and within the volcano.

Respected volcanologist  Jon Frimann noted the Icelandic Meteorological Office has warned of an increased risk of eruptions in the region, indicated by the earthquake swarm, adding only time will tell if the volcanic range is about to blow.

Although Bárdarbunga’s last eruption took place in 1910, scientists believe its last major eruption occurred around 1477, when it produced the largest lava flow in the previous 10,000 years. Last year’s Eyjafjallajökull event caused chaos in the skies, disrupting flights for several weeks, but would pale into insignificance if the much larger Bárdarbunga’s threat becomes a reality.