Seismic activity calms down near Iceland volcano
LONDON, England (AP) — Experts say the seismic activity near the Bardarbunga volcano on Iceland is calming down, but tall fountains of fire and lava continue to lick the air along a volcanic fissure, producing a huge plume of steam and gas.
A massive white cloud some 4.5 kilometres (2.8 miles) tall was rising above the fissure eruption in the Holuhraun lava field north of the Dyngjujoekull glacier yesterday. No ash fall has been detected, however.
Thousands of small earthquakes have rocked the region in recent days, leading to concerns that Bardarbunga, which lies under a vast glacier, could erupt.
But yesterday, Iceland’s meteorological agency said the number of earthquakes in the area had fallen to 300, compared to 500 the previous day, and that the lava eruption appeared to be less active than it was on Sunday when fountains danced along the lengthy fissure, prompting authorities to raise the aviation warning code to the highest level and close the surrounding airspace.
The warning was lowered 12 hours later as visibility improved and it was clear that no volcanic ash was detected.
Still, the alert warning for the area surrounding the volcano remained at orange, indicating that it is showing increased unrest with greater potential for an explosive eruption.