Europe’s most dangerous volcano may erupt soon

Located under the ice sheet Myrdalsjokull in Icelandthis training is recognized the most dangerous volcano in Europe due to its enormous explosive activity and ability to cause huge glacial floods.

WITH last recorded eruption in 1918.This volcano shows signs of seismic activity, which has attracted the attention of volcanologists and led to increased monitoring of it. In the event of an eruption, the consequences in southern Iceland could be devastating and go beyond its boundaries.

What is the most dangerous volcano in Europe

He Katla Volcano It is the most dangerous in Europe, located in the southern region of Iceland and hidden under the Myrdalsjökull glacier. Its caldera has an approximate diameter of 10 kilometers, and the height of the volcano reaches 1450 meters.

The frequency of its eruptions which varies from 40 to 80 years

makes Katla a priority target for geologists, who are closely monitoring any signs of activity. In this sense, Katla had sixteen documented eruptions since 930the last in 1918, which suggests that the volcano is close to a new eruption episode.

Since its first eruptions, Katla has produced large Jökulhlaupsflash floods caused by the melting of the glacier covering its caldera. These phenomena, characteristic of subglacial activity, occur when the heat of an eruption rapidly melts the ice sheet, releasing large amounts of water that flows down the mountain slopes.

In 1918 these glacial floods They expanded Iceland’s coastline by 5 kilometers. due to sedimentary deposits of volcanic material.

Katla volcano and the increase in seismic activity around it

In recent years, scientists have recorded increased seismic activity in the Katla area. Tremors and a phenomenon known as “volcanic inflation.” These are signs warning of the accumulation of magma under the volcano.a key indicator of a possible imminent eruption.

“Inflation” is an increase in the volume of the earth due to the pressure of gases and magma, a phenomenon that has been documented in studies of soil deformation.

Thus, this type of activity raised alarm in the scientific community as the volcano could accumulate enough pressure to cause a large-scale eruption.

It should be noted that Iceland, a country with high seismic and volcanic activity, maintains a permanent Katla monitoring system. using seismographic equipment and GPS stations that measure ground displacement. and allow experts to predict possible eruptions.

Potential impact of the Katla eruption on Europe

The possibility of Europe’s most dangerous volcano erupting also has implications for the European continent as a whole.

Due to its subglacial position, Katla could release large amounts of volcanic ash, affecting air traffic and air quality across much of Europe.. Subglacial eruptions such as Katla tend to be explosive, which could increase the impact on neighboring countries.

Moreover, scientists fear that Jökulhlaups as a result of the cause of the eruption widespread flooding in surrounding areas. These glacial flows have destroyed infrastructure and devastated communities in the past, and today the destruction may be even greater due to the growth of nearby settlements.

What is the Eldzha volcanic system and its destructive potential

Katla is part of a volcanic system that includes Eldzha Canyon

and his activities are closely related to this. This system has proven its effectiveness in the past. significant destructive capacitywhose eruptions have left deep scars on the Icelandic landscape.

The island’s main road, Hringvegur, crosses the plain in front of the volcano and represents a strategic route for the country. However, an eruption could render the area unusable and force traffic to be diverted.

The proximity of other active volcanoes, like Eyjafjallajokullconcern is growing because the activity of one of them could affect the behavior of nearby volcanoes. This would form a chain of seismic and volcanic activity.