During its active period, as it is since the eruption in 1996, Grímsvötn erupts on average each 5-10 years. The last eruption occurred in 2011 and it was a fairly large and powerful event. Between eruptions, the deformation data indicate the gradual accumulation of new magma at depth and the increased pressure in the system. In the last weeks scientists from the IMO measured SO₂ in the southwest corner of the caldera in Grímsvötn, close to where the last eruptions in 2004 and 2011 took place.

In the beginning of April the uplift in Þorbjörn decreased and, in the second part of the month, it stopped. The area around Þorbjörn is now most likely recovering after the large induced stress, and the injected magma is cooling down and contracting. Along with reduced deformation, seismic activity has decreasing significantly. These data indicate that the injection of magma beneath Þorbjörn has stopped and this second phase of uplift due to magma intrusion can be considered closed. This data was presented during a Scientific Advisory Board, which met on 30th of April to discuss and review the current activity in Reykjanes Peninsula.

On Thursday the 26^th of March an on-line Scientific Advisory Board meeting was held to discuss the ongoing unrest in the Reykjanes peninsula. Scientists from IMO, University of Iceland, ISOR and representatives from Civil Protection, HS-Orka, ISAVIA-ANS, and the Environment Agency of Iceland attended the meeting.