TAG The Environment Agency of Iceland

The access controlled area north of Vatnajökull glacier has been redefined

The National Commissioner of the Icelandic Police and Police Districts Commissioners in North East, East and Southern Iceland have decided (with reference to law on civil protection nr. 82/2008, article 23) to change the scope of the access controlled area north of Vatnajökull glacier. The decision is taken in close collaboration with the Icelandic Meteorological…

Overview of the seismic activity in Bardarbunga and the volcanic eruption in Holuhraun

The Scientific Advisory Board met on Friday 30th of January 2015 and wrote this overview of the seismic activity in Bardarbunga and the volcanic eruption in Holuhraun. The document can be accessed here, with images and graphs, on pdf format. A powerful volcanic eruption is still on going in Holuhraun with a flow of lava…

High values of SO2 in North and Northwest Iceland – updated

High values of SO2 have been measured in North and Northwest Iceland this morning. Akureyri has seen over 4000µg/m³, Stykkisholmur 2700µg/m³ and Saudarkrokur over 5000 µg/m³. According to latest measurements the pollution is no longer detectable in Saudarkrokur. Information on response can be found here on our page. Information on air quality can be found…

High values of sulfuric dioxide (SO2) in Höfn in Hornafjörður and the surrounding area

High values of sulfuric dioxide (SO2) are now measured in Höfn in Hornafjörður and the surrounding area, in the Eastfjords of Iceland. Measurements show that SO2 is between 9.000 and 21.000 micrograms per cubic meter. The Department of Civil Protection has sent out text messages to mobile phones in the area. Civil Protection urges the…

Increased SO2 concentration in Kópasker in the northeast

The concentration of SO2 (Sulphur Dioxide) is increasing in Kópasker and the surrounding area in northeastern Iceland. No gas monitoring is in the area but the inhabitants have felt the pollution and symptoms. Inhabitants are advised to close all windows and turn up the heat inside, while the concentration is high. Follow the Met Office…