Icelandic River Shows Highest Electrical Conductivity Since 2017 Amid Geothermal Activity

Iceland's Múlakvísl river is experiencing unusually high electrical conductivity, a phenomenon indicating significant geothermal activity beneath the Mýrdalsjökull glacier. These conductivity levels have not been recorded since a similar event in 2017, according to Sigríður Magnea Óskarsdóttir, a natural hazard specialist at the Icelandic Met Office.

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The situation is very similar. The electrical conductivity is still high, and the gas also continues to be measured high, although it has decreased since last night.

Despite the high conductivity, seismic activity in the region remains minimal. Óskarsdóttir noted some minor unrest the previous evening, likely related to the geothermal system "boiling" and water flowing down the glacier. However, no significant seismic pulses have been detected today, and there is currently no evidence to suggest an impending eruption from the Mýrdalsjökull glacier.

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This high electrical conductivity has not been seen since 2017 when a similar flood occurred. The electrical conductivity indicates that there is activity in the geothermal system under Mýrdalsjökull, which is cleansing itself.

Sulfur dioxide emissions in the area continue to exceed health safety thresholds. Authorities are warning people to stay away from the affected region due to these hazardous gas levels. While the river's water level has not significantly risen and does not pose an immediate threat to roads, the flow rate remains considerable. Experts are monitoring the situation closely, with Óskarsdóttir suggesting it might be best to wait until the end of the day to determine if the glacial flood in Múlakvísl has reached its peak.

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There was a little unrest last night related to this boiling in the geothermal system and when the water is going down the glacier. We have seen this before, both when there has been a flood elsewhere in Skálm or Emstrum, but also in Skaftárkatlar. This happens regularly then.