Sundhnúksgígar continues to be the prime location for an eruption
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Iceland Met Office
Updated 5 January at 17:40 UTC (2:40 p.m. EST)
A new hazard map has been issued by IMO. The map reflects a hazard-based appraisal of the Grindavík – Svartsengi region, made on 5 January 2024. The hazard assessment is based on the latest monitoring data, including seismic activity and ground deformation, as well as geodetic modeling results. The assessment also takes into consideration the likelihood of volcanic hazards in each of the six zones, as shown on the map.
In today's assessment, the main change affects the Svartsengi region (zone 1), which is now considered to be at a moderate hazard level, reflecting a decrease from the previous version of the hazard map. The justification for this change is that the hazard rating due to the formation of major surface fractures has decreased as no new major fractures have formed lately. Additionally, the latest geophysical observations, together with our scientific consensus, make Sundhnúksgígar the prime location for an eruption.
In the meantime, IMO continues to monitor the area and any changes will be communicated directly to civil protection via the usual communication channels.
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