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

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  • Опубліковано 8 тра 2024
  • 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
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    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...
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    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/...
    Support the Grapevine's reporting by becoming a member of our High Five Club: steadyhq.com/en/rvkgrapevine/
    You can also support the Grapevine by shopping in our online store: shop.grapevine.is
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    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
    Join our UA-cam channel for perks on perks:
    / @thereykjavikgrapevine

КОМЕНТАРІ • 228

  • @joneinarsson
    @joneinarsson 5 місяців тому +103

    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
      @TheReykjavikGrapevine  5 місяців тому +15

      We’d love to hear your story, Jón. Be in touch at Grapevine@grapevine.is if you’re interested in sharing more about your experience.

    • @ed6739
      @ed6739 5 місяців тому +5

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

    • @Happy_Puffin
      @Happy_Puffin 5 місяців тому +2

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

    • @jusadude7162
      @jusadude7162 5 місяців тому +4

      Stay safe! Sending positive thoughts!!! 🙏🏼

    • @frauleindaniela
      @frauleindaniela 5 місяців тому +4

      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.

  • @BowlesTroy
    @BowlesTroy 5 місяців тому +109

    I admire the calm preparedness of the people of Iceland.

    • @bookofkatherine
      @bookofkatherine 5 місяців тому +1

      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
      @melodyszadkowski5256 5 місяців тому +4

      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
      @blazefairchild465 5 місяців тому +2

      @@bookofkatherinewhat animals did I miss something ?

    • @melodyszadkowski5256
      @melodyszadkowski5256 5 місяців тому +8

      ​​@@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
      @leokaloper4132 5 місяців тому

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

  • @soletey832
    @soletey832 5 місяців тому +28

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

  • @kathleenlynch5763
    @kathleenlynch5763 5 місяців тому +39

    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
    @DSTWizz 5 місяців тому +16

    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!

  • @fianorian
    @fianorian 5 місяців тому +66

    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
      @TheReykjavikGrapevine  5 місяців тому +9

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

    • @maeedwards8387
      @maeedwards8387 5 місяців тому +1

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

    • @maeedwards8387
      @maeedwards8387 5 місяців тому +1

      it into words like

    • @edwigcarol4888
      @edwigcarol4888 5 місяців тому +2

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

  • @haliec496
    @haliec496 5 місяців тому +15

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

  • @Karincl7
    @Karincl7 5 місяців тому +15

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

  • @elizabethfairlie8296
    @elizabethfairlie8296 5 місяців тому +10

    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.

  • @user-jd2vh2xb3x
    @user-jd2vh2xb3x 5 місяців тому +24

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

  • @viennacat1
    @viennacat1 5 місяців тому +9

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

  • @thewalrus1968
    @thewalrus1968 5 місяців тому +23

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

  • @andreaDoubleU
    @andreaDoubleU 5 місяців тому +2

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

  • @CybershamanX
    @CybershamanX 5 місяців тому +14

    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. 🙂☮️

  • @markuserikssen
    @markuserikssen 5 місяців тому +11

    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
      @TheReykjavikGrapevine  5 місяців тому +10

      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.

  • @lillirod
    @lillirod 5 місяців тому +7

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

  • @dannyestes832
    @dannyestes832 5 місяців тому +10

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

  • @jusadude7162
    @jusadude7162 5 місяців тому +3

    Wishing the townspeople the best of luck.

  • @MrBeeman59
    @MrBeeman59 5 місяців тому +21

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

  • @jakobfromthefence
    @jakobfromthefence 5 місяців тому +5

    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.

  • @joyscott374
    @joyscott374 5 місяців тому +6

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

  • @David-il6hn
    @David-il6hn 5 місяців тому +7

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

  • @jaimieelton372
    @jaimieelton372 5 місяців тому +6

    What a lovely man. Excellent interview!

  • @patroberts5449
    @patroberts5449 5 місяців тому +7

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

  • @misfitsng
    @misfitsng 5 місяців тому +11

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

  • @WhiteTiger333
    @WhiteTiger333 5 місяців тому +2

    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!

  • @burgseeli1911
    @burgseeli1911 5 місяців тому +10

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

    • @Purplefishish
      @Purplefishish 5 місяців тому +3

      It´s our viking ancestry 😁😁 Panic is ineffective

    • @ErnieKings27
      @ErnieKings27 5 місяців тому

      @@Purplefishishthe I guess Thor is demanding sacrifices now

  • @gilscot100
    @gilscot100 5 місяців тому +4

    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.

  • @wendywilson18
    @wendywilson18 5 місяців тому +6

    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.

  • @ETRuT1
    @ETRuT1 5 місяців тому +7

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

  • @annabee1984
    @annabee1984 5 місяців тому +11

    Very informative and extremely interesting! Thank you! 😊

  • @Geop01
    @Geop01 5 місяців тому +4

    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.

  • @arkansasvinny
    @arkansasvinny 4 місяці тому

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

  • @The_Travelling_Jonoberries
    @The_Travelling_Jonoberries 5 місяців тому +2

    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 🌋

  • @maruillescas6608
    @maruillescas6608 5 місяців тому +2

    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

  • @robertfletcher3421
    @robertfletcher3421 5 місяців тому +6

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

  • @MrMartgolf
    @MrMartgolf 5 місяців тому +2

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

  • @onedominant
    @onedominant 5 місяців тому +1

    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.

  • @Ilingoceros
    @Ilingoceros 5 місяців тому +1

    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.

  • @lisabeam8315
    @lisabeam8315 5 місяців тому +3

    Thank you for the informative discussion ❤

  • @christee2908
    @christee2908 5 місяців тому +4

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

  • @freebirdh604
    @freebirdh604 5 місяців тому +1

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

  • @geoffburlinson8909
    @geoffburlinson8909 5 місяців тому +6

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

  • @hilde-gunpady5204
    @hilde-gunpady5204 5 місяців тому +9

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

  • @the10thplague
    @the10thplague 5 місяців тому +1

    I loved this long-form content. Really informative.

  • @paulrandig
    @paulrandig 5 місяців тому +1

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

  • @s.richards6552
    @s.richards6552 5 місяців тому +2

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

  • @Vulcano7965
    @Vulcano7965 5 місяців тому +2

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

    • @Vulcano7965
      @Vulcano7965 5 місяців тому

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

    • @TheReykjavikGrapevine
      @TheReykjavikGrapevine  5 місяців тому +1

      Thanks for the question!

  • @robbfisher2876
    @robbfisher2876 5 місяців тому +3

    Thank you very much, this was a fantastic interview!

  • @vronw5782
    @vronw5782 5 місяців тому +1

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

    • @TheReykjavikGrapevine
      @TheReykjavikGrapevine  5 місяців тому

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

  • @onamuir4985
    @onamuir4985 5 місяців тому

    BEST interview! Thank you. 🥰🤗

  • @susanharris5926
    @susanharris5926 5 місяців тому +2

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

  • @deborahmartyn97
    @deborahmartyn97 5 місяців тому +1

    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.

  • @timr.7361
    @timr.7361 5 місяців тому +1

    Superb episode, thank you!

  • @sharpear1031
    @sharpear1031 5 місяців тому +2

    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.

  • @brothersoulshine
    @brothersoulshine 5 місяців тому +3

    Such an informative interview. Many thanks for this.

  • @Zoonjse
    @Zoonjse 5 місяців тому

    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.

  • @Xperimenter
    @Xperimenter 5 місяців тому +3

    What a great interview!

  • @AdelaideBen1
    @AdelaideBen1 5 місяців тому +1

    Great discussion - thanks for such an informative explanation.

  • @Tao-Quantum-Healing-Events
    @Tao-Quantum-Healing-Events 5 місяців тому +2

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

  • @gonemadinnz
    @gonemadinnz 5 місяців тому +1

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

  • @michaelnancyamsden7410
    @michaelnancyamsden7410 5 місяців тому

    Thank you both

  • @LucasGerrijts
    @LucasGerrijts 5 місяців тому +3

    Biggest lesson learned, never doubt Heidi!

  • @englishrose212
    @englishrose212 5 місяців тому

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

  • @lucasmangasverdes1915
    @lucasmangasverdes1915 5 місяців тому +1

    This interview was amazing, thank you both!

  • @SkyeRangerNick
    @SkyeRangerNick 5 місяців тому +2

    I truly appreciate this update. Thank you.

    • @SkyeRangerNick
      @SkyeRangerNick 5 місяців тому +1

      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. 🙂🙂🙂

  • @Feefifum
    @Feefifum 5 місяців тому +2

    Thank you for a wonderful interview!

  • @freebirdh604
    @freebirdh604 5 місяців тому +1

    Thank you everyone 🤗

  • @beckybetter
    @beckybetter 5 місяців тому

    Well Done!!!

  • @Rennrogue
    @Rennrogue 5 місяців тому +1

    Fantastic interview, thank you both!

  • @alayneperrott9693
    @alayneperrott9693 5 місяців тому +2

    Excellent interview!

  • @LnLVD
    @LnLVD 5 місяців тому

    Great interview

  • @user-by3mj2yh7l
    @user-by3mj2yh7l 5 місяців тому

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

  • @jonpalmer7483
    @jonpalmer7483 5 місяців тому +2

    Amazing video thanks for the update

  • @mnemosynevermont5524
    @mnemosynevermont5524 5 місяців тому +1

    Thank you! Thank you! SO much info!

  • @tbreg606
    @tbreg606 5 місяців тому +2

    Brilliant interview. Thank you.

  • @fairwfriend
    @fairwfriend 5 місяців тому +1

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

  • @tracyralph9255
    @tracyralph9255 5 місяців тому +1

    Fascinating Thank you! You did a fantastic job!

  • @jerrielindsey5939
    @jerrielindsey5939 5 місяців тому +2

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

  • @valhoundmom
    @valhoundmom 5 місяців тому +5

    Thank you for the information update.

  • @nelsaf365
    @nelsaf365 5 місяців тому +1

    Thank you so much!!

  • @superkang7448
    @superkang7448 5 місяців тому +1

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

  • @nattyw495
    @nattyw495 5 місяців тому +2

    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....💛🇨🇦🇺🇲💛

  • @Hochspitz
    @Hochspitz 5 місяців тому +1

    Thank you for a most informative interview from Australia.

  • @alexpiper9475
    @alexpiper9475 5 місяців тому +1

    beautiful. thank you.

  • @meggmegg6656
    @meggmegg6656 5 місяців тому +1

    This is the most informative interview I have seen.

  • @samiatobdjli2149
    @samiatobdjli2149 5 місяців тому +1

    Danke Schön für Ihren Information.

  • @szendrenko
    @szendrenko 5 місяців тому +1

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

  • @MrMymandragora
    @MrMymandragora 5 місяців тому +1

    It was just great! Thanks :)

  • @robgerety
    @robgerety 5 місяців тому +3

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

  • @uthaxdora9843
    @uthaxdora9843 5 місяців тому +4

    very informative.

  • @Lora_Lynn
    @Lora_Lynn 5 місяців тому +1

    Thank you. A wealth of knowledge shared.

  • @belindahannaford1142
    @belindahannaford1142 5 місяців тому +1

    Awesome interview thank you so much for sharing . ❤

  • @vikticus4674
    @vikticus4674 5 місяців тому +1

    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!

  • @empiremotionpictures6481
    @empiremotionpictures6481 5 місяців тому +1

    He's my new hero!!!

  • @duncanwallace7760
    @duncanwallace7760 5 місяців тому

    That was very interesting, thank you.

  • @mikkolaine4883
    @mikkolaine4883 5 місяців тому +3

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

  • @sanholo2483
    @sanholo2483 5 місяців тому +1

    Very informative, thanks!!

  • @DerGluecklicheBlankeneser
    @DerGluecklicheBlankeneser 5 місяців тому +9

    Minute 31:51 "Good preparation prevents poor perfomance"

    • @mehashi
      @mehashi 5 місяців тому

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

  • @richardt.1119
    @richardt.1119 4 місяці тому +1

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