|
On a reconnisance flight over Hekla between 11:00 and
12:30 on March 1 the southern part of the fissure was cloudless. However,
the northern part was covered in clouds and thus not observable. Activity
on the fissure that cuts up the SW slopes of Hekla is vigorous. Four main
vents where observed and then three smaller vents. Activity in the craters
was strombolian, with explosions on the interval of some 4 to 5 min. Effusion
rate is similar as the day before although the explosion activity has diminished.
Two main lava streams were observed. One going SW of the mountain and the
seccond going straight to the south. The seven craters observed on the
southern end fead the lava flow that goes towards SW. At the base of the
fissure, that strikes up from the foot of Hekla and up to its shoulder,
a large tumuli has developed. The lava streams out through an opening of
the tumili and joins a stream comming from overflows in the uppermost craters.
The lava that flows to the south is on the other hand fed by a crater close
to the summit of Hekla, which has obviously been activated again. The lava
field in the south has not advanced towards the south but 100 m max since
Monday. However, it is growing towards the east at present.
Little is known about the activity for the rest of the day due to bad weather conditions. At this time point lava covers approximately 17 km2 If estimated thickness of lavas is 6 m on average, calculated volume is 0.1 km3. |
PHOTOS TAKEN 1 MARCH (between 11 and 12:30
hrs)
|
Lava flowing towards SW