{"id":210787,"date":"2021-03-25T19:00:09","date_gmt":"2021-03-25T16:00:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/en.buradabiliyorum.com\/icelands-volcanic-eruption-could-be-a-long-hauler\/"},"modified":"2021-03-25T19:00:09","modified_gmt":"2021-03-25T16:00:09","slug":"icelands-volcanic-eruption-could-be-a-long-hauler","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/icelands-volcanic-eruption-could-be-a-long-hauler\/","title":{"rendered":"#Iceland’s volcanic eruption could be a long hauler"},"content":{"rendered":"

“#Iceland’s volcanic eruption could be a long hauler<\/strong>”<\/p>\n

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\"Daredevil
\n Daredevil spectators have grilled sausages, bacon and marshmallows on the hot lava as it cools to basalt rock
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A volcanic eruption in Iceland has transformed a tranquil green valley into an ominous-looking scene, its first dark secrets beginning to emerge as volcanologists suggest the eruption could last longer than previously thought.<\/p>\n


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Experts had initially predicted that the eruption of the fissure near Mount Fagradalsfjall, just 40 kilometres (25 miles) from the capital Reykjavik, would be brief, likely dying out after a few days. <\/p>\n

But due to the constancy of the lava flow and based on the first analyses of the magma, they now suspect the eruption could be a long-hauler.<\/p>\n

“The eruption rate has been similar since the beginning of the eruption” on March 19, Freysteinn Sigmundsson, a geophysicist at the Institute of Earth Science<\/a>s, told AFP.<\/p>\n

“We have started to wonder if it may eventually be a long duration eruption.”<\/p>\n

The relatively controlled lava flow has since the weekend drawn hordes of curious onlookers to the Geldingadalur valley, eager to catch a rare, first-hand glimpse of the hypnotic display of bubbling orange-red molten rock.<\/p>\n

Grilled sausages and marshmallows<\/b><\/p>\n

The authorities block access only sporadically in case of bad weather or high levels of toxic gas emissions.<\/p>\n

According to preliminary calculations, the magma emerging from the volcano is almost 1,190 degrees Celsius (2,170 degrees Farenheit). <\/p>\n

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\"Authorities
\n Authorities sporadically block access in case of bad weather or high levels of toxic gas emissions
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Daredevil spectators who hike 90 minutes from the nearest road have grilled sausages, bacon and marshmallows on the hot lava as it cools to basalt rock.<\/p>\n

A scientific study of the freshly-minted basalt suggests that the magma has come from deep within the Earth’s mantle, around 15 kilometres (nine miles) beneath the surface.<\/p>\n

Magma from a source this deep has not been seen in this region for thousands of years, Sigmundsson said.<\/p>\n

“Most magmas make their way to the crust by creating their own lineals, by evolving. This magma is coming straight up,” explained volcanologist Thorvaldur Thordarson.<\/p>\n

And more importantly, the underground lava flow is similar to the one being seen above ground, suggesting the eruption could be protracted, he said.<\/p>\n

“In a system where the inflow is the same as the outflow, you can keep that (going) for a long time.”<\/p>\n

“In my view, this eruption has potential to sustain itself for quite a long time,” he said.<\/p>\n

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\"Experts
\n Experts say the volcano’s location in a an uninhabited natural basin means a lengthy eruption poses no significant danger
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Because of the location of the eruption\u2014a natural basin in an uninhabited area\u2014experts said a lengthy eruption poses no significant danger to surrounding areas.<\/p>\n

Flowing at its current rate, it would take weeks for the lava to reach the closest road, they said.<\/p>\n

Eye on toxic emissions<\/b><\/p>\n

While Iceland has more active volcanoes than any other country in Europe, the Reykjanes peninsula has not experienced an eruption since the 13th century.<\/p>\n

The last one lasted about 30 years, from 1210 to 1240.<\/p>\n

A reawakening of the sector could signal the beginning of a new period “which may last centuries with eruptions, possibly 10 years to 100 years apart,” according to University of Iceland geophysicist Magnus Tumi Gudmundsson. <\/p>\n

The region is already popular with tourists for its famed Blue Lagoon geothermal spa.<\/p>\n

The first signs of renewed seismic activity in the region app<\/a>eared a little more than a year ago, before intensifying about a month ago\u2014an indication that the magma was nearing the surface.<\/p>\n

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\"Preliminary
\n Preliminary calculations put the temperature of the magma emerging from the volcano at almost 1,190 degrees Celsius (2,170 Fahrenheit)
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The eruption, located about a dozen kilometres from the closest town, the Grindavik fishing port, has grown more spectacular by the day.<\/p>\n

The magma spewing out of a crack in the ground has formed small hills over the past week as it cools, creating two vents ejecting the lava, the biggest one measuring 20 metres. <\/p>\n

The site is relatively safe for visitors, although the authorities are keeping a close eye on toxic emissions.<\/p>\n

According to the Icelandic Meteorological Office, sulphur dioxide levels\u2014which can pose a danger to health and even be fatal\u2014can at times exceed 9,000 microgrammes per cubic metre at the scene, or 450 times the World Health Organization’s recommended 24-hour average exposure limit.<\/p>\n\n

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Icelandic volcano subsiding after first eruption in 900 years\n <\/p><\/div>\n

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\n \u00a9 2021 AFP<\/p>\n

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Citation<\/strong>:
\n Iceland’s volcanic eruption could be a long hauler (2021, March 25)
\n retrieved 25 March 2021
\n from https:\/\/phys.org\/news<\/a>\/2021-03-iceland-volcanic-eruption-hauler.html<\/p>\n

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\n part may be reproduced without the written permission. The content is provided for information purposes only.<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n