Volcanic Activity on the Reykjanes Peninsula
A number of eruptions have occurred on the Reykjanes Peninsula, Iceland, since March 2021. These have been effusive eruptions, characterised by linear vents, often of considerable length, and little or no ash - but significant amounts of gas.
Importance of Gas Dispersion Forecasting
Forecasting the dispersion of gas is important as the volcanic gases such as sulphur dioxide can be dangerous to animal life if concentrations exceed certain thresholds. In several of these eruptions the FORCE team responded by producing forecasts of gas dispersion using WRF and HYSPLIT.
Modeling Techniques Used
The WRF runs used a modified version of WRF that allows dense gases to be simulated and the HYSPLIT runs simulated the gas as a passive tracer (in other words, the gas is moved around by the ambient winds). Examples of the two types of forecasts are shown here.
Caption: Example of HYSPLIT gas dispersion run for December 2023, showing the dispersion spreading from the Reykjanes Peninsula moving northwards towards Reykjavik.
