VONA message

Askja

Time: 09. Sep 2021, 16:33 GMT

Color code:  Yellow 

Volcano id: 373060

Activity summary:
Newest deformation data (from GPS stations and satellites) confirm that the uplift, which commenced in the beginning of August at Askja volcano, is still ongoing. The total deformation (up component) has now reached 7 cm. As more data have been collected, the on-going process results to occur at high speed. Deformation modelling results constrain the ongoing inflow of magma at a depth between 2 - 3.5 km (on average). In light of these new data and results, the aviation color code is raised from GREEN to YELLOW. IMO keeps monitoring closely the area and will inform if any relevant changes will occur.

Cloud height:
No eruption

Other cloud information:
No eruption

Remarks:
The last eruption at Askja was in 1961. Regular geodetic measurements were done in 1970-1972 and showed a period of uplift, however no further measurements were acquired until 1983. Since then a continued subsidence of a rate of 1 cm/year was detected until this current inflation phase started. Active volcanoes in Iceland are often characterized by periods of inactivity, lasting years to decades, with intervals of enhanced seismicity, geothermal activity, and inflation. In most cases, magmatic intrusions do not culminate into an eruption. At the stage it is then very difficult to anticipate how the situation will evolve. More information on Askja volcano is available here: http://icelandicvolcanoes.is/?volcano=ASK