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Will this be the start of a new “volcanic age”? The recent resurfacing of the Icelandic Fault has raised concerns about the potential for increased volcanic activity in the region. Grindavik, a city located on the Reykjanes Peninsula, has been the epicenter of recent eruptions that have left experts questioning the stability of the area.
What is particularly alarming is that Grindavik was constructed on top of lava flows that date back 800 years. This raises the logical question of whether the city should even exist in the first place. The fact that the magma beneath the city seems to be on the verge of erupting at any moment adds to the uncertainty.
One of the main concerns is the lack of advance notice for the next eruption. According to experts, the last two eruptions were preceded by only a few hours of critical seismic activity, indicating that the magma was rapidly ascending to the surface. This means that it is difficult to predict when the next eruption will occur and how severe it will be.
Another potential danger is the possibility of an undersea eruption, which could cause an explosive phenomenon and release more volcanic ash. We only have to look back to the 2010 eruption of the Eyjafjallajokull volcano to understand the disruptive impact volcanic ash can have on global travel. The eruption grounded flights all over the world and left millions of people stranded in airports.
However, specialists believe that the Reykjanes Peninsula is unlikely to experience such a severe occurrence. The recent eruptions have been short and relatively mild, causing minimal damage to the surrounding area. Nonetheless, the unpredictability of volcanic activity adds to the anxiety felt by those living in the region.
It is becoming increasingly clear that Iceland is entering a new age of heightened volcanic activity. The recent eruption in Grindavik, which resulted in homes being leveled and a fishing community being evacuated, is just one example of the Earth’s signals.
Scientists have confirmed that the long-dormant fault in Iceland’s subsurface has become active once again. This fault is located on the boundary between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates, known as the Mid-Atlantic Ridge. The resurfacing of this fault suggests that Iceland may be entering a phase of very active volcanoes that could last for decades.
Volcanologist Patrick Allard of the Institute, Physique du Globe in Paris, believes that we have entered a new episode of plate separation that could last several years, possibly decades. The ground has already shown signs of distortion, with magma rising from the depths and seeping into the subterranean layers of the Earth’s crust. This evidence was observed even before the recent eruptions in March 2021.
The proximity of the fault to the Svartsengi geothermal power station adds another layer of concern. This power station supplies water and energy to the 30,000 people who live on the Reykjanes Peninsula, making them particularly vulnerable if the fault were to fully rupture.
The recent eruptions have also had a significant impact on the tourism industry in the area. The Blue Lagoon, a popular tourist site known for its geothermal baths, has been closed due to the eruptions. This has disrupted the plans of many travelers and further highlights the potential economic consequences of increased volcanic activity.
In conclusion, the recent eruptions in Grindavik and the resurfacing of the Icelandic Fault have raised concerns about the potential for a new era of volcanic activity in Iceland. The unpredictability of these eruptions and the potential dangers they pose to nearby communities are cause for alarm. As Iceland enters this uncertain period, it is essential to monitor the situation closely and take necessary precautions to protect those affected.
