Ongoing eruption at Bardarbunga/Holuhraun

Seismic activity increased at Iceland’s Bárdarbunga volcano from 13^th August leading to the Icelandic Meteorology Office raising the Aviation Code from Yellow to Orange. Earthquakes varied in size, some even measured 5.7. On 23^rd August the Aviation Code was raised to Red when it was assumed that a small lava eruption took place. However observations indicated that there was no eruption and therefore the code was downgraded to an Orange.

It was not until 29^th August when the first fissure eruption occurred in Holuhraun lava field located 5 km north of the Dyngjujökull glacier. The fissure measured 600m in length. The eruption over the following weeks involved lava plumes and effusive lava flows flowing north, gas and steam. No ash plume was present and therefore the code remained Orange.

On 5^th September less effusive eruptions started to make place from two new fissures located 2 km away from the Dyngjujökull glacier. Two growing depressions indicating sub-glacial activity were also observed.  According to the Icelandic Meteorology Office, on 7^th September the lava effusion rate was 100-200 cubic meters per second.

On 14^th September surveys and data indicated that a 23m subsidence had occurred at the Bárðarbunga caldera. This increased to 28m on 24^th September and 42m on 31^st October. The rate of subsidence varied, between 15^th and 21^st October it was occurring at 30 to 40cm per day.

Lava flows were also flowing towards east and west, adding to the increasing lava field. Flow rates of lava have varied since the eruption began. On 22^nd September the rate was 250-350 cubic meters per second and the total volume erupted during this was was 0.4-0.6 cubic kilometres. By 14^th November the lava field has covered 71.9 square kilometres and is continuing to grow.

The eruption is currently continuing in the form of effusive lava eruption and can be viewed live on webcam. Follow the links below. The Aviation Code remains Orange. Up to date information, including reports, images and maps on the current activity can also be found on the Icelandic Meteorology Office.

Webcam 1 Webcam 2

Icelandic Met Offic

Source: Icelandic Meteorology Office

Source: Icelandic Meteorology Office

Source: Icelandic Meteorology Office

Source: Icelandic Meteorology Office

Source: Icelandic Meteorology Office

Source: Icelandic Meteorology Office

Source: Icelandic Meteorology Office

Source: Icelandic Meteorology Office

Source: Icelandic Meteorology Office

Source: Icelandic Meteorology Office

Source: Icelandic Meteorology Office

Source: Icelandic Meteorology Office