Iceland's Geologic Situation Discussed: Viewer Q&A with Geologist Shawn Willsey

[@dlstanf2]

I’m 70+ years old. You are lifting the veil of my ignorance concerning volcanic activity. Really enjoy listening to your expertise.

[@dithompson2679]

If I had majored in earth sciences when I was in college (way too long ago to count), I would have loved your lectures. I like the way you teach and am enjoying your videos not only of Iceland's current geologic situation but other subjects I've come across on KZbin as well. Thank you for sharing so much information with all of us and making it easy to follow and understand. I look forward to your continued updates! [We live in Virginia, USA]

[@DonnaCsuti-ji2dd]

If you are not already in contact with Nick Zentner at Central Washington univ geology dept you guys are similar in style and personality so would probably be good friends and colleagues if you dialoged with him on line or went on a field trip. He was raised in Michigan I think on a farm.

[@Sally-up8xe]

Same here! I'm finding myself wanting to apply to hiis Univ just to take his classes. He's a great teacher.

[@dithompson2679]

@@DonnaCsuti-ji2dd I watch Nick Z's vlogs a lot and thoroughly enjoy him. I lived in the Pacific Northwest for many years and was an avid backpacker and skier. I love learning more about the geologic history of the whole area. He's quite good.

[@mleslielesliechiplis3648]

I love your show, One is never to old to learn. Thank you

[@jeaniechampagne8831]

I wish I'd studied geology instead of nursing! Your students are so fortunate to learn from you. 100% focus listening here. Thank you.

[@someone3107]

Shawn, you are doing a great job. I contacted the Iceland IMO office and urged them to contact you, because you are doing a fabulous public relations person explaining what is going on.

[@rebekajirsak]

Thank you so much for using all this time and effort to educate people - it’s incredibly valuable and fascinating!

[@alisalavine1052]

Yes!! Definitely do more of these. It helps to bring the more technical content you create down to a "first semester college freshman" level. My hope is that with more of these Q&A videos, I might understand the technical ones a bit better. Thanks, so much, for giving us your time and energy.

[@carolinemarriott541]

What an inspirational “teacher” you are, Shawn…..there is now an added dimension to my knowledge, albeit rather late in the day! Thank you.

[@Kangaroo_Caught]

Shawn, I know of 2 thermal drones in Iceland. 1. Gylfi of the Just Icelandic KZbin channel has one. Gylfi is more a photographer/videographer than a geologist, but has developed a keen interest. 2. There's a drone rental company called Dronefly (I think) which loaned one to Isak Finbogason, whose KZbin channel has Iceland FPV in its name. He used it while live streaming from the last eruption. I believe that drone pilots from the area have limited or no access to the affected area at the moment.

[@rupertbare2023]

Another excellent Q&A. Yours is definitely the go-to channel on Grindavik for English speakers. 👍🇨🇦

[@martinbutcher3352]

We really enjoy your show. My wife and I both watch your daily updates and find them quite fascinating. We know very little on Geology topics, but are learning and enjoying your show. You have a unique way of teaching and we both appreciate you doing this. Thanks. Marty and Tammy.

[@juliew393]

Recent lover of Geology here. I love your videos. I learned so much. Earth is dynamic and amazing!

[@GracieMurphree]

I have been watching since all this started and you started videos. Has been really cool to watch and learn each night. Love your teaching. I am not a scientist, just an American missionary in Honduras. But you just make it all fascinating and understandable. Love learning this! Thank you! Praying for the people there.

[@davidroberts5577]

Once again thank you Shawn for sharing your insight and knowledge. I share your videos with family in Iceland and they also send their thanks.

[@Sunnbobb]

As a former land use planner and student of soils, I really appreciated your lecture. I learned the answer to a number of questions I have had rumbling in my brain over the years. Keep up the good science and educating! Thank you!

[@Peachtreedishes]

Hello Shawn, Been a subscriber for about 2 weeks, I appreciate you and your channel. From Quebec/Canada (we had a big earthquake in 1988, I was a terrified kid but my dad took me to meet with a seismologist/geologist at the university. It was really helpful and I remember I really enjoy your videos.

Following several channels, with great interest & fascination, as well as big concerns for the good people of Grindavik. I am so impressed by all of the Icelandic population - their effectiveness and their stamina - the unity of their communities is truly a role model! 🇮🇸 ❤️ Thank You, again Shawn, for sharing your explorations, knowledge. Also, that good portion of enthusiasm, and last but not least - a caring heart, has for sure gotten me even more curious about, and in awe of all the wonders of our world.! 🌎 You Rock! 😅

[@michellephelps7048]

Shortly after the opening of the Svartsengi power plant in 1976, the runoff water had made pools. In 1981, a psoriasis patient bathed in the water and noted that the water alleviated his symptoms and the lagoon subsequently became popular.

[@strattarinn]

Yup, the lagoon's water is indeed spent geothermal water from the power plant.

[@OneCatShortOfCrazy]

Oh wow, I had no idea, I thought it was a natural occuring thing. Thx :)

[@julesjwg]

I love your lectures, thank you so much

[@mariemccann5895]

You have an awesome ability to convey complex information in an understandable and concise way. Many thanks for taking the time to post this.

[@jimjimgl3]

Refreshing to hear an adult use complete sentences and stay on point while explaining an issue new to so many viewers.

[@corrinneloudon525]

Thank you, Shawn, this has been great. Please do some more 👍

[@michaelnancyamsden7410]

Wonderful lecture. I look every day for your opinion. Thanks for the clarification of definitions. I had learned the center of the earth was molten iron. Granted this is old knowledge. (am77) Could you draw a cartoon to illustrate the current thinking of the earth on cross section...with your best geological knowledge.

[@cynthiagair]

Great! Yes please - more of this sort of learning session. Thanks so much Prof. Willsey!

[@deanw4418]

CAN YOU PLEASE EXPLAIN THE PROCESS THAT TOOK PLACE DURING THE Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha’apai volcano eruption on Jan. 15, 2022 and if it has stopped or if it is still erupting. Never had any interest in geology or volcanoes till I first watched one of your videos, hope your students realize how lucky they are to have such a great professor, keep the lessons coming

[@someone3107]

I know that you don't know me. And so I take a risk in replying to you. But I care enough about your question to answer. The amount of live magma underneath the cone was underestimated. After reaction with sea water there was a tremondous phreatic explosion which went far beyond our understanding (at the time) Hunga Tonga Hunga Ha'apai activity is still occurring and more magma is being extruded. We need to be humble on our knowledge and willing to change our opinions and understanding as new data comes in

[@NathanaelNewton]

20:03 wow... TIL.. I had no idea, I would have totally said that there is a layer of magma underneath every section of the planet. Thanks for explaining that!

[@bfs007a]

Me neither. Had no idea.

[@jms-po7tn]

Thanks for being an excellent science communicator.

[@liselykner1819]

I’m so enjoying your videos that I’ve only just recently found. I’m learning so much about volcanoes, magma and geology in general. I visited Iceland last year and completely fell in love with the country and its complete geological strangeness 😍. Coming from quiet, flat and safe little Denmark it’s really interesting to hear about the origin of a place like Iceland. So thank you so much 🙏.

[@Aw_tig]

Great videos thanks for sharing your knowledge and thoughts 😊

[@judierickson7166]

Thank you, I enjoy adding to my store of knowledge and you are clear and consise in your answers.

[@jackienaturelover9761]

Absolutely loved the question and answer session you just did. I vote to keep it up. It makes it so much easier to learn. Thank you very much.

[@Firebuck]

I like the separate Q&A videos. Great learning experience - thanks Shawn (and the folks generating the questions).

[@TwilightStorm]

Afar TV on KZbin has 5 cameras on the powerplant and the area in a live stream situation at the moment. They swap between cameras. It's in their "live" tab. (There's really nothing to see other than the pretty area, but they have cameras on other volcanos and you can see some of the things he's talking about in other eruptions if anyone is interested.) Edited to add: by "nothing to see" I meant it's peaceful and last I saw, the powerplant looked fine. It was steaming away today. I hope the town remains safe. I can't imagine how scary all this is for the residents. My love to them all.

[@chichita9202]

that was great! thank you for all the answers, it opens a world that I had no idea about before. Will keep watching.

[@gillianjohnston2168]

Loving this. Back to school. I wish it was like when I was in College back in the old days.

[@a1qcaguy]

YOUR CARTOON YESTERDAY ROCKED! Both my wife and I watched it and it really helped us understand what is happening. We are looking forward to watching this when we get home tonite.

[@brucemcdonald4060]

Thanks for doing this. Very informative.

[@kevindorland738]

Thank you Professor.

[@alexhoiting6639]

thank you for doing this, I have always been very interested in volcanoes and how they work, it is very interesting and cool to know how they all work, I hope you continue to do this on KZbin

[@marystuart6304]

Thanks again!!!! QUESTION! When are you taking us on a field trip to Iceland!

[@shawnwillsey]

Might take a small group (8-10) in summer 2024. Email me for details.

[@marystuart6304]

I will! We've been twice, and we went around the entire country both times. Can't WAIT to go back. We'd be up for a geology field trip there!!!! @@shawnwillsey

[@Glen.1966..]

Great work with your knowledge on this topic and continuing updates, very interesting, this is great KZbin channel! Keep up the great work! 👍👍😉

[@williammcclung6454]

Very informative and enjoyable. Keep up the interesting presentations.

[@patricklinsley1070]

Hi Shawn. I have a question ...... if magma at depth has a uniform composition, what makes some magma's become basaltic, andersitic or rhyolitic when it gets to the surface? Is it because the magma is leaching-out or picking up silica's and other minerals as it travels through the earths crust nearer the surface? We love the presentations, explanations and content of your channel. Keep it up.

[@shawnwillsey]

Basically yes, magma compositions can change through crystal fractionation and other processes.

[@candui-7]

What a great question Patrick! I'm a youtube geology student and have wondered about the dynamics of subducted high silicate crust. Andesitic lava is subduction related right? Rhyolitic magma erupts out of the Yellowstone hotspot while mafic basalt comes from deep mantle hotspots like Hawaii. Do you know of other rhyolite outcrops?

[@andrewkjera6391]

Great questions. Thanks again for sharing your knowledge and insights with us.

[@MGoat76]

Thanks for your time and educating us

[@darrenlittle6636]

sorry to add to all the comments but wanted to say thanks for your commentary. This is awesome stuff you are doing, and from an 'Enviro' in Western Australia (working in emergency/bushfire management) it's fuelling my geo-nerd peronatlity trait. Thanks and with no pun intended, you rock. Cheers mate.

[@loisstanford8736]

Thank you for another fantastic wealth of information today 😊

[@mattjpnw]

another informative update! Thanks so much and have a happy Thanksgiving!

[@maryleeharrell2857]

Shawn, just wanted to tell you how much I've enjoyed your videos. I was in Iceland from the 4th thru the 11th with a group of friends. We definitely felt the large earthquakes(>5) in Rekyjavik. Our visit to the Blue Lagoon and Grindavik were canceled due to the activity and evacuation of the town. Iceland is a beautiful country and we hope to visit again in the summer months. Oh, I have watched your series on minerals and am now going thru the rock identification series. Thank you for all of your time, effort and knowledge.

[@kiireoja9288]

Another fantastic video. Thanks!

[@lindaschoof6169]

Once again, great content and presentation. Thanks

[@Geologynut37]

1 last thing!!! So these eruptions in Iceand is a product of something called Decompression Melting. As a rift zone pulls the plates apart, it brings the Mantle (Asthenosphere) closer to the surface. This decrease in pressure causes a lower melting point of the rock, hence magma generation.

[@Sally-up8xe]

This was a fantastic episode! It was like sitting in on one of your classes. The questions from viewers added a lot. Yes please more like this. It makes me want to sign up for one of your actual courses. 😂

[@cgan2013]

You mentioned Yellowstone.....bringing this closer to home, where does the geological society feel that Yellowstone is its eruption cycle? I understand it's an active geological site, but how close is it to a major eruption? Thanks for all you've been sharing with us and teaching (me)!

[@shawnwillsey]

Chance in your or my lifetime is very close to zero. Lots of other ways for the planet or other things to take you out.

[@cgan2013]

I hear you….I have greater issues getting out of bed, to be honest!!😊

[@jenibylsma9845]

Thanx so much for another super update! So interesting and informative - we’re still watching the Icelandic situation here in Oz, and your updates are a real highlight of the day for us. Very much appreciated! 😁

[@stephanieparker1250]

Listening to too videos make me miss college. I love it. 🥰

[@jfmezei]

QUESTION: to follow up on your response on formation of Magma, at what depth range can magma be created, at what depth range can created magma remain molten "forever" and correct t state that above such depth, magma runs on retained heat and unless renewed by hotter magma from below, would eventually solidify? You mentioned it only happens at plate boundaries. I was under the impression that rock melted at certain pressure ranges. Wouldn't such pressure ranges exist elsehwre than at plate boundaries?

[@marumiyuhime]

good observation on the intrusive cooling creating hard spots. .

[@mirelgug]

Much interesting what you say! So important! Thanks.

[@Rochester-Ronzoni]

I love seeing great content getting the attention it deserves.

[@DonnaCsuti-ji2dd]

Thanks really enjoyed the discussion

[@timpointing]

Re: Svartsengi Power Station It was constructed between 1976 and 2008. It is both an electric power generation plant as well as a hot water production plant, providing hot water for heating to the district. Wikipedia says: "Svartsengi Power Station provides hot water for the district heating system of the entire Reykjanes Peninsula, including Keflavík, Njarðvík, Vogar, Garður, Sandgerði and Grindavík - more than 21,000 households". So, a disruption at the Power Plant would seriously impact a large area and a lot of people, for both electricity and heating.

[@vicki90272]

Yes - I have family in Keflavik and my understanding is that the electricity for the peninsula could be supplied from other sources on the power grid, but if Svartsengi shut down the hot water for heating would be a real problem for the entire area.

[@Geologynut37]

I think it is so interesting that the same rift that is causing volcanic eruptions in Iceland is the exact same one that broke Pangea up 180 million years ago. That is wild! I live in Virginia and I have collected 170 million year old Basalt from this same rift that is causing volcanic activity in Iceland on the US East Coast!

[@DonnaCsuti-ji2dd]

How interesting! What area of the east coast?

[@Geologynut37]

@@DonnaCsuti-ji2dd North Carolina and Virginia. The vast majority of igneous rocks are much older than the breakup of Pangea. Most date back to 500 million years ago when there was a subduction zone in the Iapetus Ocean (the ocean that existed before the Atlantic Ocean was formed). Almost all of the Igneous rocks associated with the breakup of Pangea are covered in thousands of feet of sediment buried under the coastal plain.

[@ariane3407]

I really enjoy it greatly, thank you so much from Brussels, Belgium , I lived for 10 years In Martinique where you have Mt Pelé near St Pierre with a observatory 😊

[@catherinekasmer9905]

Very interesting and informative!

[@wayneNtampa]

Great information. Thanks for educating! QUESTION: HOW DOES THE RUN-UP TO THE LAST THREE ERUPTIONS IN THE AREA (SEISMIC ACTIVITY, ETC., VS EVENTUAL ERUPTION LOCATION) COMPARE TO THE CURRENT EVENT?

[@chrism1864]

Thanks so much for taking the time to answer my question. Much appreciated :)

[@maryt2887]

Great session! Just what my 76-year-old brain needs to balance out my creative quilting and sewing activities.

[@markjennings7258]

Brilliant stuff Shawn

[@kadourimdou43]

Thanks for answering my question.

[@JessieMaria6]

Looking forward to these learning vids every day now :-)

[@kiireoja9288]

Thanks!

[@shawnwillsey]

Much appreciated.

[@Rachel.4644]

Hi! Very good information, clarifying my "understanding." Thanks to those who ask questions!

[@RumpledStiltskin-uz1uh]

Thank you always fun to learn new things.

[@carolynreichert959]

Could you explain in simple terms how the geothermal plant works? My parents lived in area 30 yrs ago. I visited & took tour around continent. It was fascinating. One of my favorite memories was enjoying a soak in Blue Lagoon with my mother. Thank you for sharing your expertise!

[@davidniemi4051]

Thank you.

[@Linda-pg3so]

How cool, Shawn. Picking up lava in your hand👍🏻. What would that temperature have been in the red lava there? Thanks for the info, all fascinating. Cheers, 🇦🇺

[@maruillescas6608]

In Hawaii they talk a lot about old magma, profound. New magma. And that gives them a lot of information. Can you talk about that a little? Thank you. I've learned a lot. 🇲🇽

[@stacyreedy7109]

When I was in college, my professor was good, but I would have loved to have you as a professor for geology

[@janinemaere6036]

We flew in this morning. The storms are just coming in waves with high winds,rain, snow, or sleet. Much of the roads that access the south have been closed. As for the potential eruption, not many people seem to be talking about it. It seems like business as usual, other than the Sky Lagoon is sold out because the Blue Lagoon is closed.

[@ginnyvibes]

Lucky you!!

[@adelaferreira4575]

I just stop by to wish you a happy Thanksgiving Profesor Shawn !

[@shawnwillsey]

You can support my educational videos by clicking on the "Thanks" button just above (right of Like button) or by going here: www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=EWUSLG3GBS5W8 or here: buymeacoffee.com/shawnwillsey

[@haraldthi]

Hi! I have been following Gylfi at Just Icelandic and his thermal camera since the last "tourist" eruption, and he has been following changing heat signatures on the cold part of the day long before this last eruption came on the horizon. It may very well be steam getting close to the surface, but he could use his thermal camera to show that things were evolving so it should be *something*. The magma could very well influence the lower end of the ground water table, which again influences where steam boils up through the rock, don't you think?

[@SamHargroves]

Have been, following him too! Always looks for another opinion, hut the hot spots makes sense to me!!

[@rocktapperrobin9372]

Been following him too. Have a feeling he said he can’t get into the area at the moment to fly his drone

[@haraldthi]

@@rocktapperrobin9372 Indeed. He has no special security clearance, so he's forbidden to go even close. A pity, really, as he knows the area well and seems to have a good sense of security.

[@rebeccarowlandson7126]

Getting into these videos thank you x

[@gregdavidd]

At the end of the video you mentioned that if the activity stays to the South it might be OK. If it does erupt for a long period of time, It is likely that there will be larger eruptions with potentially larger earthquakes affecting the major centers. A larger eruption would also produce a lot more gas which could also make some of these places unlivable. I think that if it was a longer period of eruption, it is likely it would erupt all over the peninsula.

[@tracyralph9255]

excellent job, Thank you!

[@jenniferfrykman390]

where can one find a ‘ good ‘ relief or topo map of iceland overall. Are there drone sites or geo websites avail. to non pros? You are a major source of serious science for many folks . Thankyou!!!!

[@randywarren2877]

QUESTION: HOW CLOSE TO THE SURFACE CAN THE MAGMA GET BEFORE THE TOP SURFACE LAYERS OF ROCK CAN NO LONGER RESTRICT THE MAGMA FROM BREAKING THRU?

[@willarasmith4893]

HAS ANY SEISMIC MAPPING BEEN DONE OF THE MAGMA CHAMBERS BELOW ICELAND AS HAS BEEN DONE WITH THE YELLOWSTONE MAGMA CHAMBERS?

[@charly4594]

Amazed with what you said about how long it takes large pools of lava to completely cool. Would this mean that walking on lava flows of the eruptions of last year, there would be liquid lava under your feet?

[@HuntingtonTownshipWatch]

Great question and answer segment. Enjoy your book!

[@michaelpaetzold6648]

QUESTION BELOW 👇 Thanks, your updates and explanations have been excellent for this layperson with a keen interest in volcanology. My question is about the Iceland hotspot: understanding that hotspots are stationary and tectonic plates "slide" over them, how does it work in Iceland where the hotspot is more or less over two divergent plates, especially over geologic time periods? (I just keep thinking Iceland will just keep getting bigger and will be perpetually volcanic!) Thanks again. - Michael

[@bladej7688]

Viscosity has to be in the top 5 most used term in geology.

[@giatomcat8790]

Another good t-shirt as well as rocking information. I see a merch potential here :)

[@reekoreeko1857]

Hi shawn. Are you aware that you are the only person talking sense surrounding this topic on youtube? I think I can speak for many, that your mindful thoughts about it and the people are also appreciated. Thank you for great content, thoughts and facts presented in a way for both professionals and novices. I still don't understand the beachballs, lol.

[@shawnwillsey]

We must return to the beachballs at some point...

Thank you for your videos Shawn, they are very informative, educational and easy to follow. One question, IN GENERAL DOES IT HAPPEN AND HOW LIKELY IS THAT MAGMA/VOLCANO ERUPTION BRINGS TO THE SURFACE SOME ELEMENTS OR MINERALS THAT ARE NOT PREVALENT IN THAT AREA (MAYBE SOME PRECIOUS METALS OR GEMS)?

[@kensejkora4424]

!!FANTASTIC!! explanations, Shawn... I would have loved to take a geology course from you in university. You have a gift for explaining things. Regarding explosive eruptions -- the 2010 eruption of Eyjafjallajökull that shut down air traffic for many North Atlantic routes due to ash clouds. Was that due to a different of type of magma from that on the Reykjanes peninsula, or due to the water from the glacial cap? Eyjafjallajökull is closer to the hotspot vs. divergent zone nearer Reykjanes, so would that mean a more andesitic/rhyolitic magma than basaltic found on Reykjanes? I'm just trying to connect the dots. Keep up the great work!

[@shawnwillsey]

Thanks for your kind words. The Eyjafajallajokull eruption of 2010 was explosive primarily because the second phase of the eruption occurred under the glacier, creating explosive ash that drifted SE into Europe with the jet stream.

[@blumac9801]

Have you thought of doing a live stream once this thing blows?

[@bethanyheart9563]

I loved your video, I do have 1 more question. Would it be possible for it to still erupt whilst it's solidifying and new magma entered the chamber/dike? As you said it could take thousands of years to solidify due to compressed rocks and gasses against it. I have learned so much from you and I have now been watching every video you do! Thank you so much ❤ xx

[@sallyweiner4180]

Thank you

[@MarySanislo]

Shawn, thanks for showing us you real ‘pet rock’.!