The year 2018 was wet and relatively warm. The precipitation was well above average in most parts of the country and the number of precipitation days was considerably higher than normal both in the South and in the North. The summer months were relatively cold in the southwestern part of the country compared to the last ten years while it was warm in the northeastern part. There was exceptionally little sunshine in the southwestern part of the country during the year. The number of bright sunshine hours in Reykjavík have not been as few since 1992. June and July were particularly gloomy in the South West. The last two months of the year were warm. Wind speed was close to average
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The European Network of Observatories and Research Infrastructures for Volcanology EUROVOLC is a H2020 Research and Innovation Project of the European Commission. It will construct an integrated and harmonized European volcanological community able to fully support, exploit and build-upon existing and emerging national and pan-European research infrastructures, including e-Infrastructures of the European Supersite volcanoes. The harmonization includes linking scientists and stakeholders and connecting still isolated volcanological infrastructures located at in situ volcano observatories (VO) and volcanological research institutions (VRIs).
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Today, 12 October, is the 100-year anniversary of the 1918 eruption of Katla. The volcano is considered one of the most hazardous of Iceland's 32 active volcanic systems. During the last 1100 years, Katla has erupted at least 21 times, with an average repose interval of around 50 years. The current one-hundred-year repose marks the longest period since a Katla eruption. The Katla volcanic system is located in the eastern volcanic zone. It is characterized by an 80-km-long fissure swarm and an ice-clad central volcano. The central volcano is covered by the Mýrdalsjökull ice-cap and it includes a 9 by 14 km caldera, with ice-thickness up to 700 m.
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The consequences of this summer's weather have included droughts, heatwaves and wildfires, straining the society's capacity to cope with such perils. Most of the Nordic and Baltic countries have experienced the hottest summer on record, while the number of days with rain in parts of Iceland was exceptionally high. Was this summer just an exceptional freak event or is this due to climate change? And if this is due to climate change – what can be done?
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The first hazardous weather of this autumn is expected later this week which is unusually early this year. Strong northern winds are forecast from Wednesday until early Saturday morning. Precipitation associated with this weather will mostly fall on the northern part of the country in the form of rain, sleet or snow. At any point during this bad weather sleet or snowfall can be expected down to sea level.
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On the 13th of September at 20:17, two earthquakes of magnitude around M4 occurred, only 5 seconds apart, 6 km south of Bláfjöll mountains. Several smaller aftershocks were recorded. The earthquakes were felt widely in the capital area, and also in Ölfus and Akranes. The earthquakes are located on the tectonic plate boundary that lies eastwards along the Reykjanes peninsula where earthquakes of magnitude around M6 can occur.
Read moreIncreasingly, tourists come in winter to enjoy the beauty of the northern lights. Safety while travelling is always crucial, especially in winter conditions.
The web-site Safetravel is run by ICE-SAR in order to minimize the risk of accidents in travelling and tourism in Iceland.
Thorough information on safe travelling can be found there. The 112 Iceland app can be downloaded and your travel plan can be left in safe hands before you go. Additionally, a personal location beacon can be rented at two pick-up places.
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