Iceland deploys water cannons to fight lava, Reykjanes Peninsula
Authorities in Iceland have deployed at least 12 water cannons on the L3 defense wall to cool a 360 m (1 181 feet) large section of lava and protect critical infrastructure, including the Svartsengi geothermal facility and the Njarðvíkuraeð hot water pipeline, which is important for the Suðurnesj region. Initial testing on one pump was successful, and the operation will begin with six eastern cannons, followed by the remaining units. The cooling process is expected to take several days.
Image credit: MBL
- Grindavík, located just 15 km (9 miles) from the eruption site, is under high alert due to advancing lava flows and hazardous gas emissions.
- Twelve water cannons were erected on the L3 defense wall to cool lava over a 360 m (1 181 feet) section to cool the advancing lava and preserve infrastructure.
- This eruption is the latest in a series of volcanic events that have been ongoing since December 2023.
Lava flows continued to pressure defense dikes in Svartsengi and Blaa Lonið on November 24. Gas pollution remains a major concern, with elevated sulfur dioxide levels prompting health warnings for nearby populations.
Air pollution has been reported near Grindavík, with levels potentially hazardous for individuals sensitive to air quality issues, prompting authorities to advise residents in nearby areas to keep windows closed, turn off air conditioning systems, and limit strenuous outdoor activities. Authorities have also strongly urged the public to avoid the eruption site.
The situation escalated on November 23 when the lava, flowing westward, put additional pressure on the defense dikes at Svartsengi.
The flow from the eruption also threatened the hot water infrastructure serving the Suðurnesj region, potentially disrupting delivery to residents and businesses. Officials advised customers to conserve hot water as a precautionary measure.
Cooling operations began using water cannons last night, followed by sulfur dioxide levels rising and impacting adjacent villages.
The situation was uncertain last night, but the lava cooling process has gone better than expected, even under tough conditions, according to Helga Hjörleifsson, the lava cooling manager.
Hjörleifsson said 12 people have been working hard and struggling to cool the lava. “It has exceeded expectations as we have had the support of great people from the fire departments around here. And it’s just incredibly cool,” Hjörleifsson said.
Earlier, the lava reached the Blue Lagoon parking lot of the Blue Lagoon geothermal spa resort after crossing Grindavíkurveg, continuing westward toward Svartsengi, on November 21. The lava flow speed was estimated to be more than 100 m per hour (328 feet per hour).
Around 200 people were evacuated from the resort, along with those who had returned to their houses after the prior eruption. Apart from that, a service building was also reported to be destroyed by the ongoing lava flow.
Grindavik, located only 15 km (9 miles) from the eruption site, was reported to be at high risk as the lava flows endangered infrastructure near the Blue Lagoon, Svartsengi’s geothermal facilities, and the Njarðvikuraeð hot water pipe, which is important for the Suðurnesj region.
No casualties had been reported as of Thursday, November 21, and officials had assured there was no immediate threat to the region. While flights continued without disruption, road closures were implemented nearby.
Gas pollution was expected to spread south to Grindavik, Svartsengi, and Reykjanesbaer, raising health concerns.
The Reykjanes Peninsula has been experiencing volcanic activity since December 2023, caused by magma accumulation beneath Svartsengi.
The eruption is being tracked via satellite imaging, GPS, aircraft surveillance, and ground-based measurements.
This eruption marks the latest in a series of volcanic events that have affected the Reykjanes Peninsula, following eruptions in December 2023, February, March, May, and August 2024.
As of Sunday, November 24, the eruption, which began on November 20, is still ongoing, with authorities continuously monitoring the situation and providing updates on safety measures and recommendations.
Three craters are active now and the flow of lava toward the dykes at Svartsengi has decreased. However, the situation remains sensitive regarding the possible impact on the infrastructure at Svartsengi, the Icelandic Met Office (IMO) said.
The central crater has been feeding a series of lava along Stóra Skógfell and further along the defenses at Svartsengi and Bláa lónid. Decreasing activity in it should result in less lava flow to the dikes at Svartsengi.
The public is encouraged to stay informed through official sources, as the region is still closed to tourists until further notice. Helicopter tours are the only way to see the eruption from a safe distance right now.
References:
1 The eruption threatens the infrastructure that brings hot water to the people of Suðurnes – RUV – November 24, 2024
2 The activity of the volcano is quite stable – Icelandic Meteorological Office – November 23 and 24, 2024
3 Sundhnukagigar Volcano Travel Guide – Guide to Iceland – Accessed November 24, 2024
4 Grindavík evacuated as new volcanic eruption begins on Reykjanes Peninsula, Iceland – The Watchers – November 21, 2024
5 Lava destroys Blue Lagoon parking lot in latest eruption on Reykjanes Peninsula, Iceland – The Watchers – November 21, 2024
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Where are the ‘Water Cannons’ located?
– For I do not see them while I am looking at the ‘Live Cam’ at – 2goiceland –
— Grindavík eruption – Sýlingafell Norður —
Blaa Lonið in English is ‘Blue Lagoon’