Volcano Watch 2024: We talk to a Volcanologist about what happens next

The 3,700 residents of Grindavík, situated on the southern coast of the Reykjanes peninsula, have been unable to return home since their evacuation on November 10, 2023. Following two recent eruptions in the area (the last one on January 14) the Reykjavík Grapevine’s Jón Trausti Sigurðarson met up with volcanologist Þorvaldur Þórðarson on January 19 for an update on the situation.
How different were these eruptions from what the scientists had predicted? What does the future hold for Grindavík? And why are towns in Iceland built so close to volcanoes?
Tune in to find answers to these and other questions as the country anticipates how the situation will develop.
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[@whittingtonwhit8548]

I'm a Valur and Polly fan too, and miss them both dearly. But as another person said give Jon a chance. I like him alot too. His style is very different to valur yes, but also is very clear in his delivery of information and is slso learning at the same time, you can clearly see this. Things change, watching Iceland and the coverage of this latest volcano is the most poignant reminder of this. We loved Valur and Polly when they presented, without doubt. But now is Jon's time, and a good job hes doing. Well done Jon. Very informative videos. Thank you.🌋

[@jontrausti2]

Thank you for your very encouraging words!

[@itsjudystube]

@@jontrausti2I agree. Very interesting interview.

[@richard--s]

Yes, things change - and this was a good and very informative interview, also with some steps into the history. I'm fron mainland Europe and even for me it was true, that Grindavik is known for it's fishing industry, even whale catching in earlier times. So it was also informative to hear that there are not so many natural harbour formations around Iceland - and this over there formed because the land stripe was sinking. And that made a more or less deep cove into the land (no straight shore line, but a harbor-like shore line). And therefore this was a good place to settle and do fishing and develop this into a fishing industry. And of course that's a good place to live. (My additional thoughts: And because people live there, other businesses came there too, I'm sure. So more people live there, because they have everything they need, that's very logical). And now it shows that there's a risk of volcanoes, more or less because of the natural harbour... (fault lines) It was also informative to hear about future possibilities. For the future, it's useful to have a map of danger zones, like they are in Europe for example around the Alps, they know where there is a high risk of mudslides or avalanches, that could get so big that they could destroy houses, without any warning, without earthquakes. It just wipes over the land and houses are gone... Or areas with a danger of floods. There is at least a warning because floods need heavy rainfalls. So, it is possible to determine dangerous areas, where you would not want to build a house. And it is possible to plan ahead and find options to divert avalanches for example over a road or plant the right trees against avalanches that could start in that area if there was only grass. But that's not possible for a lava flow unfortunately... Against a volcano there are bridges for the melting water of the volcanoes under the glaciers, that has been done. And there are these brims or walls agains a lava flow, but unfortunately the lava flows can build up on each other, they are not like water at all... But as we have learned it's about risk and you can divert most of the lava flows. And when that's enough, it's good, otherwise when a bigger eruption happens, you have at least - at least - time to evacuate (when the eruption starts outside of the wall). It's not easy... it's about risks... Currently the land is rising again, so magma is still coming and will need to go somewhere... There is a high risk of an eruption in that area in the next days... Let's hope, it finds a way outside of the town(s).

[@cherylb6755]

Thank you to Jón from The Reykjavík Grapevine and volcanologist Þorvaldur Þórðarson! This was very helpful and insightful (even more so after I turned on the Closed Captioning - thank you for that as well). As a Citizen of the World, from the US northeast, who has been following events in Iceland and especially Grindavik, I so appreciate this kind of sharing, and hope for more as time goes on and things continue to unfold... hopefully less destructively and with more hope and positivity....

[@wendywilson18]

One hi-light for me about all this scientific guessing, and discussion, is the analogy of getting into a car and driving, and accepting the risk, because the benefits of getting from point A to B outweigh the risks in the short term. The science discussed here is definitely about the risk to others, and without knowing the outcome before a volcanic event happens, it is the the only way to try to determine the best possible outcome, based on what instruments for collecting data are available, and the analyses of same, to make a prognosis. I would not want to wear a scientist's shoes right now! Great interview, btw.

[@bobbenson6825]

A half hour of his time, with everything else going on, is a wonderful surprise. Thanks for an enlightening interview.

[@soly-dp-colo6388]

It's always so interesting and enlightening to listen to Prof. Þorvaldur Þórðarson. Thank you so much for this interview.

[@diannamoore1522]

Really interesting interview. I was most struck by the term "acceptable risk". I live 300 ft from the Pacific Ocean, approximately 20 minutes from the Cascadia Fault Zone. Looking at the town of Grindivik, I see the possibilities if I choose to dwell on them, but I don't. I'm 79 years old and have thoroughly enjoyed my life. The view out the windows is my acceptable risk.

[@jdp]

I've been following events closely since the Litli-Hrútur eruption and have seen Prof. Þórðarson quoted dozens of times, but this is the first time I've watched an interview with him. Very educational, very informative and very interesting - thank you from the UK!

[@the10thplague]

As a resident of the Netherlands, the comparison about acceptable risk was an eye opener. Yeah we completely accept we will have flooding every so often. And it's still good to live here because living so close to the sea gives a lot of advantages. Living close to a volcano of course has the exact same logic.

[@leovanlierop4580]

Still people build in the river flood plains near Arnhem. But they will learn it the hard way I guess.

[@samsmith2635]

Just reading all the book titles the Professor has, as always a pleasure to hear Þorvaldur speak about Iceland's Volcanic Systems.

[@mickgudgeon6402]

Þorvaldur Þórðarson - need to see more of you explaining, simply, what’s happening. Deep science and thinking put simply.. and in a non-native language.. thank you.

[@LauriShalom]

Very good explanation of what is happening in Grindavik and its surroundings. Thank you and greetings from Valparaíso, Chile!

[@LaraCoimbra93]

Thanks for this video! I think Jon has a lot of room to grow! He is working hard and I believe in his potential! I was a bit emotional when he showed a personal and close view of his parents getting their stuff out to evacuate from Grindavik. Keep up the good work!

[@amaliasanz3803]

I really like the way Jon delivers the message. It shows very much selfconfidence and charisma. I don't usually follow news channels, i started following this one because of Jon's particular way of making reports👍. Being myself somebody that is not usually interested in watching the news, he makes the delivery very entertained and easy to understand for me.

[@bal20]

This is a very clever man, i very much appreciate listening to what he has to say.

[@meggmegg6656]

Thank you for the informative interview.

[@vronw5782]

Loved listening, I have been fascinated with iceland since 2010 with Eyjaf... eruption. thank you Jon and Professor xx 🇬🇧

[@mariabathgate201]

Great interview, thank you!

[@Mieke..]

Great interview, enjoyed it very much, clear insights and wisdom ✨

[@Mantolwen]

Thank you for the interview, that was fantastic!

[@markuserikssen]

These interviews are really insightful! Thanks!

[@flyingturtle4559]

The Volcanologist is wearing a University of Hawaii T-shirt. Most likely a gift from the staff of the Hawaii Volcano Observatory who operate out of the University of Hawaii campus in Hilo on the Big Island. They must be in close contact because of the recent events in Iceland. So cool to see this.

[@Rimrock300]

You're right about that, he actually was a student there around 1995, doctors degree

[@lindaarchinal9008]

Grindavik was established around year 920 because of the harbor - no signs there would be a volcano problem in the 2020’s!!! Appreciate the jnterview, thank you.

[@topcarib8488]

Iceland is unusual as it's part of the north Atlantic part of the North Atlantic Ridge. So it would be foolish not to expect sudden plate movements. People need to migrate. Reykjavik next!

[@marylacken4016]

​@@topcarib8488and people need to migrate San Francisco, too. The next earthquake might be devastating!

[@renater.540]

And, as I assume, back then they did not yet have the knowledge to assess potential risks.

[@WhiteTiger333]

Acceptable risks - yes! Why do people build where there are hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, fires, etc? I'm sure there is no risk-free place on the Earth! Another fascinating and educational conversation - thank you!

[@adriancox-thesantjordigolf3646]

Very clear and very interesting. I didn t know that the plates were working in this way

[@vulcaniya]

Thank you Dr Thordarson.

[@alayneperrott9693]

Jon is quiet, yes, but he was clearly well prepared and had a good understanding of key the issues, both past and present. He did an excellent job of drawing out Thorvaldur, who has a great perspective on Reykjanes volcanism past and present, ranging from lava petrology and faulting to risk mitigation. But I think some of the more retiring experts at the University should share the effort of communicating with the international public; Thorvaldur has been in great demand and he looks tired.

[@rickbrunner4540]

Unfortunately, as far as I know sink holes don't go away without a huge cost. They are very dangerous as well.

[@edebrigard]

This is fascinating! Thank you.

[@11calmday00]

great! thank you all

[@colinwalker-watson7219]

This series of eruptions could easily continue for 10 years. Does any resident of Grindavik actually want to move back? Businesses and the port may be viable, if they are prepared to move out at short notice. But if nothing happened for six months that would not prove it was all over.

[@muleskinnerfilms6719]

Good interview

[@asbisi]

👋👍Great interview.

[@Pasandeeros]

Interesting. Although I am not a volcanologist, when the second eruption happened at a different location I thought maybe the semi-solidified magma had "plugged the pipes" at the location of the first eruption. So, where will the magma come to the surface the next time? Perhaps between the first two eruptions? Or in Grindavík? 😬

[@bartjes2509]

Thanks, some interesting thoughts. Still I wonder how hazard assessment keeps clearing Svartsengi power plant and Blue Lagoon ? Does the presence of groundwater have anything to do with that ? Cheers, Bart from the Netherlands (living at 14m above sealevel ;-))

[@carolined5923]

It must be very intense to live so close to a live volcano, I know for me I would not live anywhere near it..too volatile but amazing.

[@nolasmith7687]

Now I know why you guys are so good at English! Just check out the titles in his bookcase!

[@wendywilson18]

@nolasmith7687 I noticed that too! But this is also a great sign of good reporting!

[@Vulcano7965]

scientific language is english.

[@samsmith2635]

@@Vulcano7965 Depends on the time period, It was Greek once, Latin, then Arabic during the Medieval period, then French, then German big time last Century, now it's English.

[@Mar-up7db]

@@samsmith2635We all know that. He was talking about the contemporary era.

[@Vulcano7965]

@@samsmith2635 Well duh, but past time periods are not relevant here. It is english for a good century by now.

[@ssglopezvm]

I want more Cowbell - Polly and Valur 🤙

[@ducthman4737]

Iceland is part of the Atlantic Mid Ocean Ridge. What is the future? What do you think? Without the Ridge there would be NO Icland.

[@expectationlost]

Summary?

[@sixthsenseamelia4695]

Odds don't point towards a Black Swan Event. That's what makes them so devastating.

[@ouchsp]

Gas, or at least steam, DID come up in Grindavik after the eruption! The info presented is inaccurate.

[@asbisi]

No, the info is accurate. The steam you saw was from broken hot-water pipes.

[@WhiteTiger333]

@@asbisi Those broken hot water pipes was when I learned that people there have hot water piped directly into their homes. I had no idea!

[@asbisi]

It´s pretty neat, very cheap heating directly from the ground. Also some roads have hot-water pipes under them so that during snowy weather, the snow melts away.@@WhiteTiger333

[@miloscvoimsus1118]

Looks Like A Russian + A British...Q) Am Я Wrong?

[@Gravity4220]

Nothing like being Trolled, eh iceland. It's funny but right now, not funny. If you laugh then good 👍 I've done my job

[@chrisl7839]

Where is Valur and Polly? Valur was far better with this channel! This guy doesn't speak clearly, is very undynamic, and this is the wrong position for him. Unsubscribing. I hope Polly is OK.

[@richardt.1119]

Agree!

[@renater.540]

Not happy with the situation either. Jon seems to lack experience and self confidence. Pretty hard to start the job as Valur's successor. Let's give him some time and hope he will improve. Edit: By "improve" I do not mean that Jon should become a 2nd edition of Valur, beware! But that he will be able to develop his own profile. And I'm sure he will. The interview proved that he had well prepared for the discussion. What I would very much appreciate: a more distinct pronunciation. He is sometimes difficult to understand. And I'd like to suggest adding a map when discussing geography, geolocation etc. For "non-Icelanders" it's difficult to put the unfamiliar names into the right context. Thank you and all the best 👋🇦🇹

[@TheReykjavikGrapevine]

Valur moved over to the National Broadcasting Service aka RÚV (Iceland’s BBC) about a year ago.

[@renater.540]

@@TheReykjavikGrapevine I know and I regret it 😟

[@asbisi]

I think Jón is good, just give him time and thumbs up. I prefer his calmer style. That dog running around constantly was annoying to me.

[@vinnyheaphy1372]

Too bad you Icelanders don't have a Master Dowser who understands geology!! He/she could find safe locations to move a town to!!!

[@atommachine]

It is true.

[@vinnyheaphy1372]

-I'm a Rock Hound and a Master Dowser & I know how to do things in real life, only you guys can dream about in Sci-fi movies!!!

[@mayo5020]

I think you are all living in denial! You're trying to fight a volcano and you're trying to buy time. Everyone is waiting for the signal to come back and live here in this city. It's incredible to see this! You are in complete denial! We've been telling you for decades that it's not dangerous, everyone believes that. I wouldn't sleep at night if I were there, for fear of what has already happened happening again. Be realistic and think about moving somewhere else. Good luck!