Update on the eruption in Geldingadalsgos / Fagradalsfjall and on the Soufrière dome.

Geldingadalsgos - the eruptive site explained - RUV image / captions in Spanish.

On the eruptive site of Geldingadalur / Fagradalsfjall - NB: the new eruption, now called the "Geldingadalsgos" eruption by the Icelandic media -, an impressive spectacle took place at the crater of the main spatter cone on March 21 around 2:30 p.m. of it collapsed and the lava flow carved out a new path to its right (as seen from the webcam) or in the direction in which the numerous spectators observed the eruption.
It seems that people have moved up the hill away from the crater. Lava is now flowing in a new channel on the slope.

During the flyby by the IMO teams, we can see that the lava flows on either side of the crack and the spatter cones could meet and cut off access to this area.

Geldingadalsgos - overview of the eruptive site on March 21, 2021 / 2:47 p.m. - Doc. IMO

The Suðurnes police chief has decided to close this small area next to the eruption crack in Geldingadalur. This decision is based on a resolution of the Scientific Council, which drew attention to the fact that the large crater could shatter and that the lava flow could quickly change direction. There is also a risk that another eruption crack will open near the crater, which happened during the 2010 eruption in Fimmvörðuháls. The closed area is marked in red in the photo below.

In addition, the meteorological office predicts bad weather for the next 24 hours and tourists must be very well equipped if they are to walk to the eruption sites. The weather deteriorates considerably at night with strong winds, sleet or snow.

Comment on RUV: Úlfar Lúðvíksson, police chief in Suðurnes, says the reason the area closest to the crack is closed is first and foremost because people put themselves in danger there. !

Sources: Suðurnes Police Chief / Department of Civil Protection - 2021,03,21 / 4:29 p.m. - & RUV

Geldingadalsgos - closure of the shaded area for security reasons - Doc. Department of Civil Protection

According to the UWI, the new dome of the Soufrière de St. Vincent continues to extend over the crater floor and has increased in height.

His approximate measurements as of March 19, 2021 are 921 m. long over 243 m. wide, for a height of 105 m. Its volume is estimated at 13.12 million m³.

Sources: UWI and NEMO.