The volcanic activity surrounding Eyjafjallajökull is all but over. Not everything is lying dormant, however, so authorities can’t officially call an end to the eruption just yet. The development of events over the next few days will be closely followed, after which it will be decided whether the eruption can finally be declared over.

Geologist Páll Einarsson points out that volcanic eruptions usually finish by petering out gradually, rather than coming to a sudden stop. The unusual activity surrounding the eruption under Eyjafjallajökull has, however, diminished significantly, giving rise to perhaps premature claims of an end to the eruption. Páll says that the current eruption is merely a small chapter in the history of Eyjafjalljökull and of Icelandic volcanic activity, and that although this chapter appears to have come to an end, history will nevertheless continue.

Asked about a potential eruption of Katla in the near future, Páll says that there is currently no evidence to suggest that will be case. By way of comparison, there are indications that both Grímsvötn and Hekla are “ready” to erupt at any moment; the same cannot be said for Katla, although she is certain to erupt sooner or later (even if it just a small eruption).

Scientists are closely following events as they develop, saying that nothing indicates the eruption will start up again, but at this point it would be unwise to discount that possibility completely. The steam cloud is still visible at the site of the vent, but no ashfall forecasts have been issued.

According to Civil Protection Department chief Víðir Reynisson, efforts will now focus on clean-up of the ash that has fallen across the region and clean-up assistants will continue their work as long as necessary. The CPD are still paying particular attention to the possibility of mudslides in the area, which could occur if there is a lot of rainfall on the layers of fallen ash.

The road into Þórsmörk is still closed according to Víðir, but repairs to the road are expected to be completed by the Icelandic Road Administration over the weekend. The tourist situation will be closely followed, and it is expected that tourist traffic will be allowed on the road into Þórsmörk with restrictions from next weekend.

Although there has been no ashfall in recent days, there is always the prospect of dry ash entering the atmosphere as it is carried up by the wind, which could lead to poor air conditions and low visibility. Morgunbláðið therefore recommends readers to keep up-to-date with the measurements of airborne particles on the Vista website, which would be wise for anyone planning to visit the area in the near future.

Source: mbl.is
Image: anjči

Labels: Eyjafjallajökull