Geothermal activity surges at Hveradalir in Iceland following recent mud eruption

Significant changes have occurred in the geothermal area of Hveradalir, where boiling hot mud fountains have erupted in all directions due to a recent mud eruption. The high-temperature zone has undergone noticeable changes in recent years.

Geothermal activity along the highway over Hellisheiði began to increase over a year ago. Authorities have been closely monitoring the situation. Measurements indicate that the temperature levels have remained relatively stable. Surface temperatures this summer have been around 30 degrees Celsius, while temperatures at more than two meters deep are approximately 85 degrees Celsius.

The landscape in Hveradalir has continued to evolve. Heavy rainfall in mid-July triggered a landslide that swept over an old steam vent, causing the top layer to be stripped away and leading to a mud eruption with mud geysers erupting in all directions. Geochemist Þráinn Friðriksson noted that the explosion was not entirely unexpected, suggesting that there was an opportunity for people to evacuate.

Þráinn pointed out that there have been significant changes in activity in the area over the past years, emphasizing that surface temperature at geothermal sites can be a volatile phenomenon.

The ongoing transformation of Hveradalir reflects the dynamic nature of geothermal areas and highlights the importance of monitoring geological changes, especially where human activity is concerned. The local communities remain vigilant as they adapt to the unpredictability of geothermal phenomena.