The town of Grindavik in Iceland is facing a concerning situation. Cracks in the ground from a volcanic eruption could lead to geological collapses.
On January 14, a volcanic eruption shook the Reykjanes Peninsula. According to the Icelandic Meteorological Office (IMO), the ground in this area is now filled with cracks.
Although the eruption has ended, dangers persist from threats beneath the ground under the town.
The volcanic eruption awakened a fault line that had been dormant for over 800 years. (Photo: Science Post).
Representatives from IMO emphasized that although the risk level has decreased, the cracks remain a significant concern. Currently, movement within the cracks is less likely since the eruption has temporarily ceased.
However, experts are assessing the risk of new cracks appearing or existing ones expanding.
GPS data indicates that there has been little detected movement in the town of Grindavik in recent days, suggesting that the risk is lower than before.
Associate Professor of Volcanology, Carmen Solana from the University of Portsmouth (UK), stated that the area remains very dangerous.
While experts are uncertain where another eruption might occur, Carmen Solana believes that current signs indicate it is still a possibility.
“The reality is that the ground will have to settle after volcanic eruptions. Given the volume of magma brought to the surface on the Reykjanes Peninsula, it is highly likely that underground magma is still erupting,” Solana explained.
The volcanic eruption in Grindavik serves as a reminder of the power and unpredictability of natural forces. Simultaneously, it underscores the necessity for countries to continuously monitor and respond swiftly to signs and warnings of volcanic eruptions.
On January 14, a volcanic eruption occurred near the fishing port of Grindavik, located on the Reykjanes Peninsula in Iceland, causing many homes to be engulfed in molten lava.
While there are currently no signs of lava erupting from the ground, experts warn that the volcanic threat still exists and could even make the regional situation more dangerous.
According to Patrick Allard, a researcher from the Institute of Earth Physics in Paris, France, the volcanic eruption awakened a fault line that had been dormant for over 800 years.
“After 8 centuries of interruption and complete inactivity at the surface, we have entered a new phase of fault separation, which could last several years or even decades,” the expert noted.
