Volcano Watch 2023: A Volcanologist's Update on Safety, Grindavík, The Blue Lagoon & More

You had a lot of questions about what's happening around the town of Grindavík and about Iceland's volcanic systems in general, so the Grapevine turned to University of Iceland professor in volcanology and petrology Þorvaldur Þórðarson for answers.
In this in-depth interview with the Grapevine's Catharine Fulton, Þorvaldur addresses misinformation about Iceland as a safe travel destination, explains the status of efforts to protect the Svartsengi power plant, shares which of Iceland's volcanoes makes him nervous, and a whole lot more.
TABLE OF CONTENTS:
0:00 - Intro
0:58 - Update on the current situation around Grindavík
7:27 - Iceland is safe! Setting the record straight
10:30 - Why are all the volcanoes popping?
13:17 - Does climate change impact volcanoes?
14:47 - How much lava is under Iceland?
17:00 - How many volcanic systems are in Iceland?
20:25 - How big could a new eruption will be?
22:00 - A description of magma chambers
24:15 - Comparing the Reykjanes and Krafla volcanic systems
26:50 - Could an eruption drain the Blue Lagoon?
27:25 - What's going on with the defence wall around the Svartsengi Power Plant?
33:40 - Are scientists consulted on investment and development?
35:40 - Could the next eruption be explosive?
41:30 - The science of predicting volcanoes
48:10 - Which volcano makes Þorvaldur nervous?
53:30 - Iceland IS volcanic - why is any of this news?
56:20 - The question nobody asks Þorvaldur
58:44 - Outro
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Follow The Reykjavík Grapevine for the latest updates on the situation: grapevine.is
Read our July 2023 feature about the current volcanic cycle the Reykjanes peninsula is in: grapevine.is/mag/feature/2023...
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SHOW SUPPORT
Iceland's Search and Rescue teams are on the ground in Grindavík and operate solely on donations. You can support them here: www.icesar.com/en/support-us
Support the Icelandic Red Cross and their efforts to operate aid centres for Grindavík evacuees: www.raudikrossinn.is/english/...
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WHO ARE WE?
The Reykjavík Grapevine is an alternative monthly magazine, bringing you all the news and views on Icelandic society, music, travel, culture and more. Grapevine.is #rvkgrapevine
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[@joneinarsson]

I am once again fleeing my town, now Grindavík 2023 before I had to flee Heimaey 1973, then I was 12 years old, 50 years later I am fleeing again, but now I am an adult, and again this is a shock, we living on a volcanic island we are always fighting with mother nature. thanks to people like Þorvaldari we are all learning from what we don't know,

[@TheReykjavikGrapevine]

We’d love to hear your story, Jón. Be in touch at [e-mail] if you’re interested in sharing more about your experience.

[@ed6739]

I lived in Keflavik in 1973, I remember that. Sorry this is your 2nd go around with this.

[@Happy_Puffin]

While living in Keflavik 1978-80 I was able to visit Heimaey. I would love to hear your account of the evacuation.

[@jusadude7162]

Stay safe! Sending positive thoughts!!! 🙏🏼

[@frauleindaniela]

I’m so sorry to hear this. I hope you could get as much belongings with you as possible. But most of all I’m really glad that you all are safe. Eruptions are so erratic, netter safe than sorry.

[@soletey832]

This is imho by far the best YT video about the current Iceland situation, thank you Þorvaldur Þórðarson and Reykjavik Grapevine !

[@BowlesTroy]

I admire the calm preparedness of the people of Iceland.

[@bookofkatherine]

Really!? I think the abandoned animals would disagree. If it weren't for tourists posting videos of the Blue Lagoon's lobby caving in, that place would still be open.

[@melodyszadkowski5256]

I second that. Sadly, I haven't seen too many calm and organized evacuations with such citizen cooperation like Icelanders have shown among folks in my own country. My admiration goes out to Iceland and her people on the peninsula.

[@blazefairchild465]

@@bookofkatherinewhat animals did I miss something ?

[@melodyszadkowski5256]

​​@@bookofkatherineWhat abandoned animals? Household pets and even farm animals have been moved to safer areas because the process was well organized and people cooperated with disaster personnel. And do you honestly think that Blue Lagoon would still be open if their lobby had collapsed even if tourists hadn't published photos? Is this ethnocentrism or simply not keeping up with knowledgeble news sources?

[@leokaloper4132]

@@blazefairchild465 don't say you're from WWF

[@kathleenlynch5763]

I love how calmly he explained everything without getting viewers into a panic.he is after all a professor so he knows his craft.i don't think anyone can tell him much about what is going on or what to do.i have never met anyone from Iceland but what lovley people .just hope there in not a lot of damage.loved how he described it as cornflakes and yogurt.

[@DSTWizz]

It's great to listen to a real volcanologist explain what is happening in such a factual and matter-of-fact way, and debunking some of the wild, fanciful theories put about by some media outlets (which are mainly clickbait anyway). Iceland because of its geographical position has centuries of experience in observing movements in the earth's crust; nevertheless it's a worrying time for the good folk of Grindavik at the present time. Hopefully they can return to their homes before too long. Thanks for this interview!

[@elizabethfairlie8296]

Really appreciate your questions and this gentleman who explains everything so beautifully. Love listening to people who know what theyre talking about and are qualified to comment. And yes no scaremongering. Thankyou both.

[@Karincl7]

Since your previous chat with the proffesor I love his calm intelligence, thank you for the update

[@haliec496]

The professor respects and understands mother nature. His passion and knowledge is reassuring.

[@fianorian]

That was very informative and at a level of detail that I, as a lay person, could understand. Thank you, both to The Rekjavik Grapevine and to the professor (whose name I'm afraid I dare not attempt to type). It's good to get a non-sensational take on events.

[@TheReykjavikGrapevine]

Thanks so much for watching. The Þ makes a soft "th" sound, so Thor-val-der

[@maeedwards8387]

I have to agree with you. I just can't put it into like you did. Thank you.

[@maeedwards8387]

it into words like

[@edwigcarol4888]

As you say seeking Sensation is a disastrous sickness of media. Totally appalling. Here there is fresh air. Facts, geophysics, calm and preparedness.

[@viennacat1]

Excellent video. Thanks for producing this for us, very very interesting to hear the professor give such detailed answers.

[@user-jd2vh2xb3x]

Fantastic interview, very informative, and with scientific humility like it should be

[@thewalrus1968]

this was the best explanations of events so far on the internet

[@markuserikssen]

This was a great interview. Thanks for that, The Reykjavik Grapevine. I know that Þorvaldur sometimes makes bold statements in the media which make people scared or even angry, but he seems to be very knowledgeable and sincere, with a good heart. Let's hope the current situation around Grindavik and the Blue Lagoon calms down.

[@TheReykjavikGrapevine]

He's a straight-shooter for sure, but that comes from a position of not wanting to take any chances with people's safety. He's wildly intelligent and a great person to speak with.

[@andreaDoubleU]

so good to listen to a man that REALLY knows what he is talking about! 🙏🏻

[@joyscott374]

Great piece. I've been following your channel. For a couple of weeks. The professors explanations are clear, informative & fascinating. Thank you.

[@jaimieelton372]

What a lovely man. Excellent interview!

[@dannyestes832]

Excellent! Its nice to hear expert information and the questions by regular people answered in professional manner.

[@CybershamanX]

Thank you SO MUCH for providing these amazing videos. Not only are they immensely informative, but they often showcase the resilience and solidarity of the people of Iceland. Again, thank you. 🙂☮️

[@lillirod]

This is so informative. Thanks for doing this interview to Professor Þórðarson.

[@David-il6hn]

Thank you for explaining what is happening there in Iceland. I find it fascinating and would love to visit sometime.

[@MrBeeman59]

Great interview! The professor gave very informative and understandable answers.

[@WhiteTiger333]

Thank you for this fascinating "lecture". I'm learning so much from these interviews. I was especially struck by the professor explaining that lava serves to fill in the tears the plate boundary separation creates. Nature filling in its own potholes. 😁 Many well wishes for the Grindavik residents. That's not going to be an easy fix, my goodness!

[@misfitsng]

Thank you so much for the interview. Very nice to watch and I learned so much.

[@TheReykjavikGrapevine]

Our pleasure!

[@gilscot100]

Excellent video. Great interview. Once again RG gives us the true prospective. So appreciate being able to get a glimpse of the lava walls being constructed. Please keep these videos coming.

[@jakobfromthefence]

In more than short term, the good thing about the hydrothermal power plant and subsequently blue lagoon is that if they get destroyed, you can literally build new ones. Both of them. Also in a completely different place.

[@jusadude7162]

Wishing the townspeople the best of luck.

[@wendywilson18]

Fantastic interview! Thanks so much for posting and sharing. 41.33 gives a great take on the present situation. Second last segment suggests "be prepared, respect it [the volcano and processes] and don't ignore it!" Long yes. Informative? Definitely.

[@TheReykjavikGrapevine]

So glad you enjoyed it!

[@ETRuT1]

Really illuminating. Thanks, Prof Þórðarson, Catherine for an excellent interview, and Art for brilliant camerawork.

[@annabee1984]

Very informative and extremely interesting! Thank you! 😊

[@Geop01]

Thank you for this informative and engaging video. I hope you will continue to post updates about future seismic and volcanic activity and how these affect people and the environment.

[@robertfletcher3421]

An excellent production it is something we have been waiting for. Thank you.

[@TheReykjavikGrapevine]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@The_Travelling_Jonoberries]

Thank you for a very informative update on the situation in Iceland 🇮🇸- God Bless and know that we hope all is well in that wonderful part of the World 🌋

[@patroberts5449]

Sad to see these evacuated homes, breaks your heart, so so sorry folks, be strong, be brave

[@onedominant]

Thank you for presenting this logical analysis of events in Iceland. Geology and geophysics are fascinating, but my heart goes out to the families, the industries, the community being affected now.

[@burgseeli1911]

It's amazing nobody seems to stress out. Everything those people do prevent real disasters, do it with so much calmness.

[@Purplefishish]

It´s our viking ancestry 😁😁 Panic is ineffective

[@ErnieKings27]

@@Purplefishishthe I guess Thor is demanding sacrifices now

[@paulrandig]

Thank you for bringing the whole one hour interview! In our fast living time this is a gem.

[@MrMartgolf]

I could listen to this Professor all day, amazing insight into a fascinating phenomenon that is Nature Great video thank you 👍

[@freebirdh604]

Came here cos of iceland live link and stayed for the entire chat 👍 thank you to all parties

[@Vulcano7965]

Thank you very much for featuring my question! Didn't expect it but very much appreciat it :D

[@Vulcano7965]

Also these are in general very well audited questions. Excellent interview!

[@TheReykjavikGrapevine]

Thanks for the question!

[@christee2908]

That was a great interview, Thank you professor Thordarson and Mrs Fulton.

[@TheReykjavikGrapevine]

Our pleasure! Thanks for watching.

[@sharpear1031]

Thank you. I appreciated all of this information. I have been following this event right along and hope to stay with it to the end.

[@maruillescas6608]

This video is so interesting. We have more than 4 important volcanos in Mexico and we want to learn more. But we don't have a youtube Chanel to explain the things like you do. Thank you

[@arkansasvinny]

He nailed it. His prediction was right on! Iceland is lucky to have a professional like him. Give him a raise!!

[@lisabeam8315]

Thank you for the informative discussion ❤

[@deborahmartyn97]

Thank you both very much.. in Wa.-USA here... I appreciate the the in depth, clear , respectful approach and the questions were very interesting, too. I especially. thank the Doctor for his generous demeanor and patience to illuminate many aspects of this event, Iceland and its peoples.

[@susanharris5926]

This was a very informative interview. I was totally impressed by this professor.

[@robbfisher2876]

Thank you very much, this was a fantastic interview!

[@s.richards6552]

This is by far the best and most informative video I have seen on this probable eruption,

[@the10thplague]

I loved this long-form content. Really informative.

[@brothersoulshine]

Such an informative interview. Many thanks for this.

[@geoffburlinson8909]

Thank you Doctor. Fascinating. Great information. 👍👍👍

[@hilde-gunpady5204]

Med stoisk ro,utrolig godt forklart.Fint å få et bilde av evt.scenarioer.

[@SkyeRangerNick]

I truly appreciate this update. Thank you.

[@SkyeRangerNick]

I was curious about the building of the wall, early on. Granted, if something can happen at any moment, racing for a wall is unlikely; preparing for rescue and preservation have a priority. With a window of time, building the wall "has time." And, the way may have a long window of relevance, given the nature of Icelandic volcanic activity cycles. Those were my thoughts over recent weeks; which align with the reality we have seen. I always imagine Icelanders poised and prepared, knowing the nature of the land on which they live. 🙂🙂🙂

[@gonemadinnz]

Awesome interview. I feel like I am back at uni! Please keep updating us. I'm fascinated. Thank you!

[@timr.7361]

Superb episode, thank you!

[@vronw5782]

Thank you Catharine, a great interview,.😊 I love listening to the professor. I wish I was 40yrs younger and could attended his lectures 😅. ♥️🙏

[@TheReykjavikGrapevine]

Across all ages in the office, we wish we could sit in on all his lectures!!

[@Xperimenter]

What a great interview!

[@lucasmangasverdes1915]

This interview was amazing, thank you both!

[@TheReykjavikGrapevine]

Thank you for watching!

[@Tao-Quantum-Healing-Events]

great information. very clear. i understand what is happening now. Thank you

[@AdelaideBen1]

Great discussion - thanks for such an informative explanation.

[@onamuir4985]

BEST interview! Thank you. 🥰🤗

[@Ilingoceros]

This was quite interesting and informative. I live in Hood River, Oregon, right around the corner from a burger place called Twin Peaks because from there you can see Mt. Adams in Washington and Mt. Hood in Oregon. Both volcanoes. Climb some local peaks and you can see other volcanoes in the Cascade Range including what's left of Mount St. Helens which blew up in 1980. There are lava fields of various ages all around here. Go up the Columbia River and you see mile after mile after mile of basalt columns from massive lava flows millions of years ago coming all the way from eastern Washington and Idaho. So yeah, I was primed to be interested and the questions and answers here were very good.

[@jonpalmer7483]

Amazing video thanks for the update

[@valhoundmom]

Thank you for the information update.

[@TheReykjavikGrapevine]

Thanks for watching!

[@LucasGerrijts]

Biggest lesson learned, never doubt Heidi!

[@Feefifum]

Thank you for a wonderful interview!

[@tbreg606]

Brilliant interview. Thank you.

[@nattyw495]

Thank you so much for this video it was very interesting and informative, very easy to understand the questions and comments from both proffesionals..i think were more connected to other humans thru the cellphone and internet and want to show that were thinking of other fellow humans even if we cant physically be there to help we are sending our thoughts and donations to help those in need....💛🇨🇦🇺🇲💛

[@robgerety]

NIce man. Smart too. Seems like a straight shooter.

[@englishrose212]

What can you say but just brilliant, thank you from UK 😍

[@Rennrogue]

Fantastic interview, thank you both!

[@mikkolaine4883]

This should be a mandatory hour for any un-knowledgeble person willing to comment the news in Facebook or watching a sensational KZbinr's videos :D

[@fairwfriend]

He has been the most reassuring presence. So chill for such a hot topic. (pun intended!)

[@Hochspitz]

Thank you for a most informative interview from Australia.

[@meggmegg6656]

This is the most informative interview I have seen.

[@Zoonjse]

This professor is one of the best in Iceland, and probably in the world. Because how man countries and people have to thing about this subject. Iceland is one of the most active places and has some of the best experts in these things.

[@jerrielindsey5939]

This was great, thank you so much. I learned a lot.

[@superkang7448]

Thank you. Very informative, great questions and even better answers.

[@nelsaf365]

Thank you so much!!

[@alayneperrott9693]

Excellent interview!

[@empiremotionpictures6481]

He's my new hero!!!

[@sanholo2483]

Very informative, thanks!!

[@TheReykjavikGrapevine]

Thanks for watching!

[@user-by3mj2yh7l]

To worry about mother nature on a daily basis has to be nerve wracking. Praying for the safety of the residents there.

[@michaelnancyamsden7410]

Thank you both

[@LnLVD]

Great interview

[@freebirdh604]

Thank you everyone 🤗

[@szendrenko]

Your experts are super smart! It would be great to study under him at university

[@uthaxdora9843]

very informative.

[@samiatobdjli2149]

Danke Schön für Ihren Information.

[@tracyralph9255]

Fascinating Thank you! You did a fantastic job!

[@MrMymandragora]

It was just great! Thanks :)

[@belindahannaford1142]

Awesome interview thank you so much for sharing . ❤

[@TheReykjavikGrapevine]

Thanks so much for watching!

[@mnemosynevermont5524]

Thank you! Thank you! SO much info!

[@beckybetter]

Well Done!!!

[@alexpiper9475]

beautiful. thank you.

[@Lora_Lynn]

Thank you. A wealth of knowledge shared.

[@duncanwallace7760]

That was very interesting, thank you.

[@DerGluecklicheBlankeneser]

Minute 31:51 "Good preparation prevents poor perfomance"

[@mehashi]

“Prior preparation prevents piss-poor performance” as my father would put it.

[@vikticus4674]

how to live in a life-threatening natural area, how to perceive, organize, react, they know this just like in Japan, where there is a single culture, community and ability to respond, saving lives - together - typhoons tsunami volcano. activity in Mexico, Italy, South America. Stay safe Vikings of Iceland!

[@richardt.1119]

The guy that ran out the back door and jumped off the balcony left the door open!