Earthquakes on the Reykjanes peninsula
Aviation color code elevated from green to yellow
More than
3000 earthquakes have been automatically detected nearby Eldvörp in the
Reykjanes/Svartsengi volcanic system in the past week. Since yesterday (15.05),
nine earthquakes had magnitude above M3 and two above M4. The largest event had
a magnitude of M4.3 occurred on 15.05 at 17:38 UTC. The seismicity is located
at a depth between 4 and 6 km.
Recent deformation observations (both cGPS and
InSAR) identified the onset of a new inflation event west of Thorbjörn likely
caused by magma intrusion. Preliminary modelling results indicate the source is
located at a depth between 4-5 km.
In light of the increased seismic activity and
the ongoing deformation in the Reykjanes/Svartsengi volcanic system the
aviation color code is elevated from GREEN to YELLOW.
The Civil Protection Department of Iceland
elevated their alert level to UNCERTAINTY level on 15.05.
Recent deformation
observations (both cGPS and InSAR) identified the onset of a new inflation
event west of Thorbjörn, most likely the result of a magmatic intrusion.
Preliminary modelling results indicate the source is located at a depth between
4-5 km. (The Icelandic Met office/Michelle Maree Parks)
