Útsýni yfir Öskju and Víti, frá Norðri. Image: Michelle Parks/Veðurstofa Íslands
Scientists Investigate Volcanic Conditions at Askja: Data Collection Underway
A recent field trip to Askja, conducted by a dedicated team from the Icelandic Meteorological Office (IMO), has been wrapped up successfully. Leading the effort were Dr. Melissa Anne Pfeffer and Dr. Michelle Parks, who set out to gather vital data by measuring gases, sampling water, and making critical observations in this geologically rich region.
In their quest for knowledge, the scientists engaged with local park rangers and fellow researchers while meticulously taking measurements of temperature and pH levels at Víti and Lake Askja. They also downloaded key data from the GPS station OLAC, located within the caldera, and assisted in campaign GPS and leveling measurements.
In one striking moment, Dr. Melissa A. Pfeffer was pictured collecting gas samples from a geothermal area east of Bátshraun. (Photo: Michelle Parks/IMO.)
Preliminary findings reveal no significant changes in gas emissions or water quality compared to previous years, although detailed analyses of the samples are still in progress. Inspections and measurements have not indicated any notable shifts in geothermal activity around Askja, including the area of Víti. Interestingly, an observation made on August 12—initially thought to be a steam plume—has been reinterpreted as dust from a minor rock fall on the caldera’s steep slope.
As part of their comprehensive investigations, the team also conducted seasonal deformation fieldwork at Askja volcano. Under the direction of Prof. Erik Sturkell from the University of Gothenburg last week, this work will continue with Prof. Freysteinn Sigmundsson from the University of Iceland collaborating with IMO. So far, five GPS stations have been established at various points within the caldera, and leveling measurements have been carried out near the 1961 and 1921 lava fields. Encouragingly, recent leveling results indicate that there has been no shift in the location of the inflation source since the last measurements in August 2022, corroborating findings from cGPS and InSAR analyses.
This deformation fieldwork is supported by the ISVOLC project, a prestigious initiative funded by the Icelandic Research Fund (Rannsóknasjóður) under grant number 239615-051, with leadership from Michelle Parks (IMO) and Freysteinn Sigmundsson (UI).
In another compelling image from the field, Dr. Michelle M. Parks is seen collaborating on GPS measurements with Prof. Eric Sturkell. (Photo: Melissa Pfeffer/IMO.)