After a peak in earthquakes yesterday, seismic activity decreased considerably after 5.30 pm local time. On the other hand, deformation continues as magma likely continues to accumulate. The volcano-seismic crisis is therefore far from over.
According to the latest update from IMO, „only“ about 900 earthquakes have been detected in the past 12 hours, all under magnitude 3.0. The activity after midnight has mainly been located at Sundhnjúkagígar – NE of Þorbjörn, as well as west of Eldvörp.
IMO further writes that „(although) seismicity has decreased considerably since yesterday, the development of earthquake magnitudes, number of earthquakes and their location is comparable to the development previously seen related to magma accumulation in the vicinity of Þorbjörn.“
„The latest deformation data shows that uplift continues in the area. This uplift is thought to be due to magma accumulation NW of Þorbjörn at 4-5 km depth. While that magma accumulation continues, increased seismicity in the area can be expected from increased stresses in the crust. Rockfall can occur following large earthquakes, so caution should be taken by steep slopes.“
