Inspired by Iceland
Katla continues to rumble
Posted by Max Naylor on Friday, October 28, 2011
Katla in full swing during her 1918 eruption
In recent times the Icelandic volcano Katla has been rumbling and grumbling. Some think this means an eruption is imminent, and indeed the volcano is overdue for an eruption. Earthquakes are continuing under the volcano, and the latest occurred at about 6pm today and measured 3.2 on the Richter scale according to the Icelandic Met Office. Four other earthquakes were recorded after noon today, reaching 2 on the scale.

The earthquake activity seen lately in Katla is similar to that which has occurred under Mýrdalsjökull (the glacier which partially covers Katla) and is perfectly normal. Just last week 535 earthquakes were recorded over the whole of Iceland, when a series of earthquakes struck the Reykjanes peninsular and the area north of Siglunes.

Katla last significantly erupted 93 years ago, although there was a minor eruption in 1999 which did not breach the glacier. Since the Eyjafjallajökull air travel fiasco last year, the world has been watching Iceland with an anxious eye when it comes to the prospect of another eruption.

Airlines are pretty helpless in terms of preparing for a future eruption, as they do not have the final say on the closure of airspace. How any future situation would be handled remains to be seen. Iceland has local evacuation plans in place in case of emergency.

Source: Vísir
Image: Wikipedia

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Blogger Nico posted at 28 October 2011 at 00:47  
I'm in love with Iceland regarding an eruption ! Silly world ! VIVA ICELAND !

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