Volcanic Iceland: Earthquake with magnitude M 5,2 in Þorbjörn mountain (Fagradalsfjall mountain)!!!p1492

Not a great problem for now. It died down already.

This is the thread that got me into following GLP in the first place. Thank you Luis

Just want Some attention for your incredible Posts!
Thanks luis xxx

YUGE UPTICK!

DO YOU HAVE HI AND LO TIDES THAT CAN BE A FACTOR AS WELL?!

Really persistent is it not?

LATEST UP DATE...?

More calm for now...

Very interesting activity.. maybe fresh magma moving in? Swarm is continuing now, the latest quakes quite close to the surface.

more now...

Possible magma accumulation beneath Mt. Thorbjorn on Reykjanes peninsula

An inflation has been measured since January 21st and it‘s centered just west of Mt. Thorbjorn on Reykjanes peninsula. The inflation is unusually rapid, around 3-4 mm per day and has accumulated to 2 cm to date. It has been detected both on continuous GPS stations and in InSAR images. The inflation is most likely a sign of magma accumulation at just a few km depth. If the signal is indeed a magma accumulation it is very small, first volume estimate is around 1 million cubic meters (0,001 km3).

This is the conclusion of a meeting held with the Scientific council of the Civil Protection at the IMO this morning.

Accurate measurements of crustal deformation on Reykjanes peninsula span appoximately three decades. During this period no comparable signal has been measured. This is unusual for this period. An earthquake swarm has been ongoing, since January 21st, alongside the deformation signal just east of the inflation center (northeast of Grindavík). The largest earthquakes occurred on January 22nd and were of M3,7 and 3,6. They were felt widely on the Reykjanes peninsula and all the way up to Borgarnes region. The earthquake swarm is currently in decline. Swarms like this are common and not unusual by itself in the area.

The fact that an inflation is occurring alongside the earthquake swarm is a cause for concern and closer monitoring.

Background information:
The inflation is occurring on plate boundaries and within the volcanic system of Svartsengi which is either considered a separate system or part of the Reykjanes volcanic system. The last known eruption was during Reykjanes fires, which occurred between 1210-1240 AD. Within that period a several eruptions occurred within that system, thereof there were three eruptions in Svartsengi system. The eruptions were effusive (non-explosive) fissure eruptions erupting on 1-10 km long fissures. No explosive eruptions are known from this system. The largest eruption in the swarm, from 13th century, formed Arnarseturshraun lava (estimated 0,3 km3 and 20 km2). The duration of these eruptions are usually from a few days up to several weeks. Seismic activity is very common in this area and is linked to the plate boundaries, geothermal activity and possible magma intrusions. The largest earthquakes measured in this area are about M5.5.

Possible scenarios:
The activity has only been ongoing for a few days and it is uncertain if it will escalate to more serious activity. Based on current information, the following scenarios are considered possible, without stating which is most likely or within what timeframe.
1. If the inflation is due to magma accumulation:
• Magma accumulation will cease soon without further activity.
• Magma accumulation continues for some time without further activity.
• Magma accumulation will lead to a magma intrusion.
• Magma accumulation will lead to magma intrusion and eruption (effusive fissure eruption).
• Magma accumulation triggers seismic activity with larger earthquakes (up to M6.0).

If the inflation is not caused by magma accumulation:
• The inflation might be linked to tectonic activity and lead to larger earthquakes (up to M6.0).
The Civil Protection has declared Uncertainty phase.

Last Edited by Urður on 01/26/2020 01:51 PM

Man, you guys are still on top of it! Love this thread, thanks all for contributing.

Any more news on Mt. Thorbjorn?

The area is still inflating at the same speed, 3-4 mm per day. Currently it's just wait and see but an evacuation plan has been introduced to the population in the nearby town, the Blue Lagoon and the nearby power plant in case an eruption starts in the area.

Seems like Geologists rather expect a fissure to open up NW of Þorbjörn, around the Blue Lagoon/Power plant area than the Mt. itself should an eruption start that is.

Last Edited by Urður on 01/28/2020 01:33 PM

Shit it's going bonkers.

[link to en.vedur.is (secure)]

It's tectonic or volcanic?

Keep a close eye on Katla.