Bardarbunga volcano: "Uncertainty about eruption under ice"

Bardarbunga volcano: "Uncertainty about eruption under ice" (VolcanoDiscovery).

Speculations that a small eruption had occurred or still continues at the site of the new ice cauldrons continue. According to an interview with the National Broadcast (RUV), scientists estimate that 30 - 40 million cubic metres of ice have been melted.

According to a statement from Civil Protection, there are 3 cauldrons, 4-6 km long, 1 km wide and approx 10-15 deep, near the southeastern rim of the Bardarbunga caldera.

Relation with ongoing intrusion?

It is believed that they are not directly related with the ongoing intrusion now located halfway between the northern edge of the Dyngjujökull glacier and the Askja caldera. The seismic activity along the intrusion continues to propagate today, but with somewhat weaker energy compared to previous days.

The surveillance airplane of the Icelandic Cost Guard will make another overflight this morning. Updated information can be expected to emerge at around 11 am Icelandic time.

There are new developments, but uncertain how to interpret the visible signs:

During an overflight today, Icelandic scientists discovered a row of 10-15 m deep ice cauldrons and many small fractures in the ice south of the Bárðarbunga caldera, forming a 6-4 km long line. The cauldrons have been formed as a result of melting, possibly a sub-glacial eruption, but it is uncertain when it occurred and whether it is still going on. The site of that activity seems to be a few km SE of the Bardarbunga caldera, where earthquakes occurred during the early stage of the seismic crisis. At the same time, earthquakes along the ongoing intrusion north of the ice cap continue to migrate northwards toward Askja volcano.

IMO has not detected elevated volcanic tremor that would indicate eruptive activity. Civil Protection issued a statement that there are (at least until now) no signs of an eruption at the surface. However, an imminent eruption could not be ruled out and authorities keep a close watch on the situation.