Glacial flooding causes road closures along Ring Road in Iceland

Glacial flooding has begun from Mýrdalsjökull, leading to road closures along the Ring Road. Increased electrical conductivity has been detected in rivers near the glacier, suggesting that a glacial melt is underway. The Icelandic Road and Coastal Administration has closed the Ring Road at the Skálm river due to water flowing over the road.

Meteorological authorities issued a warning this morning after gas measurements at Láguhvol indicated elevated values over the previous 24 hours. Reports have also emerged of a sulfur smell along rivers originating from Mýrdalsjökull. The electrical conductivity in the Skálm river near road V412 is unusually high, prompting advisories against approaching the sources of Múlakvísl and Kötlujökull.

Böðvar Sveinsson, a natural hazard expert at the Icelandic Meteorological Office, indicated that there are no signs of volcanic activity beginning. He stated, “Recent developments suggest this is a small flood and we are likely witnessing the end phase of it. There’s been considerable unrest and earthquakes, but this unrest is linked to geothermal activity, quite similar to events when geothermal systems begin to drain.”

Such flooding events have become annual occurrences, typically happening in July due to increased rainfall and rising temperatures causing surface water to flow into geothermal systems in the area.

While the situation does not pose an immediate threat, caution is advised, particularly regarding potential sulfur pollution from river sources near Kötlujökull and Emstruá. Hiking trails like Laugavegur may also show signs of sulfur pollution, and it is recommended to avoid lingering near glacial river sources from Mýrdalsjökull.