Potential magma activity cannot be discounted in proximity to Grímsey
Rewritten Article:
Earthquakes Near Grímsey Revive Talk of Magma Movements
The earthquake sequence close to Grímsey Island has again ignited talks about potential magma movements beneath the Tjörnes fracture zone, as per Þorvaldur Þórðarson, volcanologist and professor at the University of Iceland.
A magnitude 4.7 quake hit east of Grímsey around 4 AM yesterday, almost immediately followed by a chain of aftershocks, including one measuring 3.5. The seismic events were broadly felt across North Iceland.
"It's too soon to rule out magma movements," Þórðarson told Morgunblaðið in an interview. "The Tjörnes fracture zone and the Reykjanes Peninsula bear resemblances. Both are fault zones impacted by pulling forces that split Iceland apart."
Fault Fractures and Magma Infiltration
Þórðarson explains that fault activity in these regions chiefly stems from tectonic fractures as crustal plates move in opposite directions. However, the slanted orientation of the fault zone relative to the direction of plate drift may result in horizontal shear and minor vertical extension.
"In these settings," he notes, "magma might capitalize on the newly formed cracks, seeping into spaces fashioned by these tectonic shifts. So, even though earthquakes are driven by crustal movement, magma movement can concurrently occur – and we should never overlook that possibility."
Swarm of Earthquakes as a Sign of Magma Movement?When a swarm of earthquakes appears to relocate over time, Þórðarson suggests it could indicate magma migrating beneath the Earth's surface. It could also be that the fault is splitting horizontally, with magma merely tagging along.
"In reality," he adds, "both processes can happen. Separating them is not always straightforward, and, in many instances, more time and data are needed to draw a definitive conclusion."
At present, there is no concrete evidence of an imminent volcanic eruption in the Tjörnes region, but Þórðarson underlines that Iceland's intricate geological landscapes necessitate considering such possibilities. Authorities are actively monitoring the area.
Further Reading:[1] Earthquakes and magma movement in Iceland: An overview[2] Grímsey earthquake swarm and potential magma movement
Photo Credit: Þorvaldur Þórðarson by Eggert Jóhannesson, mbl.is
- "The potential magma movements beneath the Tjörnes fracture zone, as suggested by the recent earthquake sequence near Grímsey Island, could lead to a volcanic eruption if not properly monitored, making it crucial to consider health-and-wellness precautions in the event of an eruption."
- "While magma movements may be a possibility due to the earthquakes in the Tjörnes region, it's important to remember that science also needs to account for other medical-conditions that might be triggered by seismic activities, such as anxiety or heart conditions, necessitating proper health care and planning during such periods."
- "As the science community continues to investigate the relationship between earthquakes, magma movements, and volcanic eruptions, it's crucial to promote health-and-wellness measures in the general population to ensure optimal wellbeing amidst these geological activities, particularly around hotspots like the Tjörnes fracture zone."
