The Icelandic Meteorological Office received notification last Friday from a landowner who saw unusual bubbles in Kvíárlón, southeast of Öræfajökull. On Monday, the meteorologist went to assess whether there was a risk for tours and whether the gas was indicative of increased activity in the volcano. Occasional bubbles are seen on the surface of the reservoir and are heard as in a soft drink. They had special polygraphs that suck in air from the environment and can detect carbon dioxide, sulfur hydrogen, sulfur dioxide and hydrogen (CO2, H2S, SO2, H). Despite repeated attempts to collect the gas in a funnel under the surface, it turned out to be too small to be detectable. It is the expert's opinion that there is no danger for travellers due to the gas. Further analysis of water samples may reveal which gas is here on the move, but this is most likely to be low carbon dioxide. Such carbon dioxide emissions from volcanoes are common and are not considered to indicate increased activity in the volcano.
Earthquake activity and warming in Öræfajökull during the year have been greatly reduced.
Photo by Tryggvi Hjörvar at Kvíárlón, 7 August 2019
Source: Veðurstofa Íslands
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