The field trip conducted by a team from IMO last week has been completed succesfully.

Preliminary results indicate no changes in the gases or waters compared to previous years while further sample and data analyses are ongoing. Visual inspections and temperature and pH measurements do not point to any clear changes in geothermal activity around Askja including in Víti. The observation on 12 August at the edge of Bátnshraun which was reported as a possible steam plume is now recognized as dust caused by a minor rock fall on a steep slope of the caldera wall.

The latest deformation data indicates that the inflation continues at Askja with the position and depth of the inferred magma source unchanged since September 2021. The magma is accumulating at a depth of about 3 km, and there are currently no indications from geodetic observations that the magma has shallowed further. Ten days have passed since last activity was seen in the crater close to Litli-Hrútur and since volcanic tremor reached its background level. No deformation is detected in the area and the seismic activity has decreased significantly.

Updated 10 August 2023

The Icelandic Met Office has updated the hazard map for the eruption site. The vicinity of the eruption area is still dangerous. High temperatures characterize the lava field. The solidified crust can be very thin in places with very hot and molten lava underneath. The edges of the new lava field are unstable and large chunks of lava can fall sudden. As a result of past activity there are fractures in the area that pose danger. The new lava continues degassing and hazardous gases can collect in depressions