Geldingadalir Eruption: Verkís Experts Publish Key Findings

A newly published article in the Bulletin of Volcanology sheds light on the design and performance of lava diversion and containment structures built during the 2021 Geldingadalir eruption on Iceland’s Reykjanes Peninsula. Titled “Experience in diverting and containing lava flow by barriers constructed from in situ material during the 2021 Geldingardalir volcanic eruption”, the article offers an in-depth look at how Icelandic authorities and experts responded rapidly to an evolving volcanic threat.

The authors of the article are Fjóla G. Sigtryggsdóttir, Hörn Hrafnsdóttir, and Ari Guðmundsson of Verkís, along with Jón Haukur Steingrímsson of Efla. Together, this team brought valuable geotechnical, environmental, and civil engineering expertise to the project.

Three earthen dams and two lava diversion barriers were constructed using locally sourced materials, tailored to the landscape and available resources. These structures successfully delayed lava movement—by up to 16 days in one case—and redirected flows away from vulnerable areas.

The article also highlights how different types of lava—pāhoehoe and ‘a‘ā—interact with barriers, providing crucial insights that have informed the design of protective structures in subsequent eruptions closer to inhabited areas.

Verkís is proud of Fjóla, Hörn, and Ari for their vital contributions to this important work, which demonstrates how science and engineering come together to reduce volcanic risk and protect communities.

Read the article here: SpringerLink – Bulletin of Volcanology

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