Earthquakes on Reykjanes Peninsula may alleviate volcanic pollution in Iceland

Earthquakes on the Reykjanes Peninsula may help reduce volcanic pollution today and tomorrow, though uncertainty remains for the following days. Weather experts from the Icelandic Meteorological Office report that northeast winds today and tomorrow could carry the volcanic pollution out to sea. However, a shift to southerly winds is expected on Thursday.

Volcanic pollution from the Stóra Skógfell eruption has affected the southwest region of Iceland in recent days. The highest levels of pollution have been recorded in the towns of Vogar and Reykjanesbær, which are nearest to the eruption site, although haze has reached as far east as Selfoss.

Böðvar Sveinsson, a natural hazard expert, states that southerly winds will dominate the area today, pushing pollution northward. “By noon, we might start experiencing this in the capital area, Akranes, and possibly Borgarnes as well,” he noted.

This evening, winds are expected to shift to the northwest and continue into tomorrow, helping to direct the pollution out to sea. However, it will take time to clear areas that have already been affected by pollution drifting north.

Looking further ahead, Böðvar expressed concerns about conditions in the subsequent days as winds are predicted to shift south again on Wednesday, bringing pollution back over land. Forecasting becomes more challenging beyond that point, but southwest winds are likely to prevail on Friday.

Meanwhile, the situation at the eruption site has remained consistent over recent days, with ongoing activity from two craters at similar intensity. The implications of future geological activity remain uncertain.