Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
BÁRÐARBUNGA VOLCANO
On 16 August 2014, sensors began picking up increased seismic activity in and around
Bárðarbunga, one of many volcanoes that lie underneath Vatnajökull ice cap. This im-
mense volcano system is under the northwest part of the ice cap.
The magma in the Bárðarbunga caldera formed an 'intrusive dike' (tunnel of magma)
through the ground under an outlet glacier named Dyngjujökull. On 29 August, a fissure
eruption, complete with spectacular lava fountains, began in Holuhraun, a 200-year-old
lava field about 5km away from the Dyngjujökull glacial edge.
Scientists have been monitoring developments, preparing for various scenarios.
They've observed that the Bárðarbunga caldera is sinking, with a depression forming in
the ice above it. This indicates that an eruption may occur under Vatnajökull.
Scientists believe there are a few options for how the Bárðarbunga activity will play out.
The subsidence of the caldera may stop and the Holuhraun eruption decline gradually.
Or, the Holuhraun eruption may be prolonged or strengthened, and lengthen southwards
under Dyngjujökull. Bárðarbunga itself may erupt, or other eruptive fissures (like the one
at Holuhraun) could open up.
Any eruptions that occur under ice present danger of glacier melt, causing destructive
jökulhlaup(meltwater floods), and a likelihood of ashcloud - potentially along the lines of
the Eyjafjallajökull eruption of 2010, which grounded air traffic in Europe for six days (and
tripped up newsreaders around the world).
There is no way of knowing what developments may occur, or when this activity will
subside. And can you visit? At the time of writing, the only option was to see the eruption
from the air. The Holuhraun fissure eruption is occurring in a remote, uninhabited region
(south of Askja), with the only immediate dangers as a result of the sulphuric gases being
released and causing some nasty pollution in varying parts of the country (depending on
prevailing winds). But, the possibility of further eruptions and flooding mean that certain
parts of the highlands are off limits to all. Roads are closed (these are remote, 4WD-ac-
cess roads).
If and when the area is deemed safe for visitors, there will no doubt be tour operators
ready to take tourists to it (and charge them handsomely!).
The tour operators that service Askja and Kverkfjöll from Mývatn, Möðrudalur and
Egilsstaðir (listed on
Click here
)
will be best placed to offer such tours, but be aware that
this is a remote area, with tough access, so be prepared to cough up!
