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Sunday 05.02.2012

Icelandic glacier on eruption watch

Eyjafjallajökull last erupted in 1821-1823 and in 1612.

An earthquake measuring more than three points on the Richter scale hit the area below Eyjafjallajökull glacier in south Iceland early March 5.

A series of smaller earthquakes has rattled the region.



A geologist was on watch to monitor the developments around the glacier and the response group of the Civil Protection Department and employees of the volcanic department of the Icelandic Metrological Office were called in for a meeting, visir.is reports.

The Civil Protection Department has a response plan in case of an eruption in Eyjafjallajökull.

The first part of the plan has already been set in action—increased research and monitoring. However, the department emphasizes said current rumbling won’t necessarily lead to an eruption.

Eyjafjallajökull last erupted in 1821-1823 and in 1612.

It is also believed that the volcano beneath the icecap erupted at the time of the settlement in the 9th century AD.

In 1994 and 1999 a series of earthquakes were also sensed in the area, when a magma intrusion occurred deep inside the volcano but didn’t reach the surface.