Waking from an 800-Year Slumber: The Eruption of Litli-Hrútur Volcano

A Copernicus Sentinel-2 image reveals the lava flow and smoke plume drifting southwest from the Litli-Hrútur, known as ‘Little Ram,’ in the Fagradalsfjall volcanic region in southwest Iceland. This image includes altered Copernicus Sentinel data (2023), processed by ESA, under the CC BY-SA 3.0 IGO license.

On July 10, 2023, Litli-Hrútur, a volcano situated about 30 km (20 miles) from Reykjavik, Iceland’s capital, burst into life after indications of increased seismic activity. The eruption, watched closely through satellite technologies, has become a draw for tourists, though it also brings potential health dangers due to the release of sulfur dioxide.

An 800-year dormant period for the volcanic area ended with an eruption in the Geldingadalur Valley in March 2021, followed by a smaller eruption in the nearby Meradalur Valley in August 2022. Litli-Hrútur, part of the same volcanic area, began to show significant activity nearly a year later.

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A Year Filled with Events and Observation

A fresh eruption began at Litli-Hrútur mountain, preceded by thousands of minor tremors, culminating in a 4.8 magnitude earthquake, as reported by the Icelandic Met Office.

The eruption, which lasted until August 5, drew crowds of onlookers and tourists, fascinated by the continuous volcanic activity. Those unable to visit in person could witness the eruption via a livestream or satellite pictures.

The Crucial Function of Satellite Technologies

Modern satellite technologies enable the monitoring of even the most remote volcanic activities. Various tools on satellites provide an array of information that enriches our understanding of volcanic eruptions. The Copernicus Sentinel-2 mission, for example, can capture visuals of smoke plumes, lava streams, landslides, and surface cracks.

The image featured in this article, taken by Sentinel-2, illustrates the smoke plume from the Litli-Hrútur volcano on July 11, indicating the southwest movement of the plume. Sentinel-2’s operation relies on two identical satellites, each equipped with a cutting-edge wide swath high-resolution multispectral imager with 13 spectral bands.

Risks and Impact on the Environment

Despite the eruption site’s popularity among tourists, it presents real dangers. Without notice, new cracks may form, lava rivers may erupt, and toxic gases, such as sulfur dioxide, can pollute the air rapidly. High levels of sulfur dioxide can adversely affect health.

The sulfur dioxide from the Litli-Hrútur volcano behaves differently at higher altitudes in the stratosphere, where it can persist for extended durations. It can last anywhere from weeks to months or even longer.

Surveillance of Sulfur Dioxide Levels

Satellite-mounted atmospheric sensors can detect and measure the gases and particles emitted by the eruption, as well as assess their broader ecological effects. An animation illustrates the sulfur dioxide concentrations from July 11-13, 2023, as detected by the Copernicus Sentinel-5P.

The global monitoring of sulfur dioxide concentrations is possible with the Copernicus Sentinel-5P Volcanic Sulphur Dioxide online platform. The platform, utilizing data from Sentinel-5P, reveals daily sulfur dioxide levels, primarily originating from volcanic activities. Credit for this information goes to the modified Copernicus Sentinel data (2023), processed by ESA, under the CC BY-SA 3.0 IGO license.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about fokus keyword Litli-Hrútur Volcano

When did the Litli-Hrútur volcano in Iceland erupt?

The Litli-Hrútur volcano in Iceland erupted on July 10, 2023.

What is the significance of the Litli-Hrútur volcano’s eruption?

The eruption marked the end of an 800-year dormancy period, attracting tourists, scientists, and posing potential health hazards due to sulfur dioxide release.

How was the eruption of Litli-Hrútur monitored?

The eruption was closely monitored using satellite technology, including instruments like the Copernicus Sentinel-2 mission, which provided real-time data on volcanic activity.

What are the potential hazards of the Litli-Hrútur eruption?

The eruption site is potentially hazardous, with risks of new fissures opening, unexpected lava flows, and the rapid release of toxic gas, including sulfur dioxide, which can be harmful to health.

How can sulfur dioxide concentrations from the eruption be monitored?

Sulfur dioxide concentrations can be monitored globally using the Copernicus Sentinel-5P Volcanic Sulphur Dioxide online platform, which shows daily concentrations primarily from volcanic sources.

What role do satellites play in understanding volcanic eruptions?

Satellites carry different instruments that provide a wealth of complementary information to better understand volcanic eruptions. They can image smoke plumes, lava flows, mudslides, and ground fissures, and even aid in disaster response efforts post-eruption.

Where is the Litli-Hrútur volcano located?

Litli-Hrútur, translating to ‘Little Ram,’ is situated in the Fagradalsfjall volcanic area in southwest Iceland.

Were there any previous eruptions in the area before the Litli-Hrútur eruption?

Yes, following roughly 800 years of dormancy, the volcanic area became active in March 2021 with an eruption in the Geldingadalur Valley. Subsequently, a smaller eruption occurred in the nearby Meradalur Valley in August 2022.

How can people view the eruption if they are unable to visit the site?

For those unable to make the journey, the eruption could be experienced from the comfort of their homes through a livestream as well as satellite imagery.

What are the environmental impacts of sulfur dioxide from the eruption?

Sulfur dioxide can be oxidized to form sulfate aerosols or dissolved in water to create sulfuric acid, impacting the environment. When transported into the stratosphere, it can persist for longer periods, ranging from weeks to months or even years.