Scientists from the Icelandic Meteorological Office (IMO), the University of Iceland, and the Department of Civil Protection and Emergency Management held a meeting this evening and concluded that there is a high chance of a volcanic eruption in the very near future.
In its latest update, IMO writes that geophysical models show that the magma intrusion now has developed into a vertical shape known as dike, which is approaching the surface to likely cause an eruption.
Magma is thought to be only 800 m beneath the surface (and likely shallower by the time of this update is published). „The exact location of a possible eruption site is unknown, but the 15-km length and orientation of the dike gives a good indication of possible sources“, IMO writes.
„… an eruption could be possible on a timescale of just days. Based on the extent of the dike, magma could emerge from its southern, just outside of Grindavik. Therefore, the likelihood of a submarine eruption has also increased, so preparations must be made for the possibility of explosive activity. A hazard area has been defined based on the location of the dike, as shown in the map.“