******* Important: Every step on the new lavafield on your own risk! *******
The volcanic eruption:
On the evening of march 19th 2021 an eruption started in Geldingadalir in Fagradalsfjall. So far, no official name was given to this volcano. It started after a seismic prologoe of over a year, which increased in intensity in the few weeks before the eruption started with the strongest quake of 5.7 on the magnitude scale and all in all close to 30.000 Earthquakes. We could feel the earthquakes in the captial area and got used to them. Some locals of the nearby fishing village Gindavik left town for some days. They couldnt sleep anymore.
Finally the eruption started quietly, without register on seismographs.
At first it was expected that the eruption would be short lived since it was so small, the lava flow was just 5-10 cubicmeters/second, which is only 1% of the flow at the start of the Holuhraun eruption in 2014. But when first measurements came in scientist started expecting that it could last anytime from a few days up to even centuries. The magma rises up from very deep (up to 17km deep), straight from the earths mantle. Its very hot, 1180°C with a high amount of carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide.
The Cache Location
The cache was hidden almost 3 month after the the eruption started. There are two marked trails so far they lead you to the eruption side. Follow path A to reach the cache is the easiest and shortest way. The box is hidden on top of a mountain (altitute of around 280m/ 918f), close to the trail. Biggest dangers are weather related! The weather can change very quickly so check the weather forecast before starting the hike at https://www.vedur.is. the cache is hidden SW of the eruption site. If there will be strong wind from N, NE the area maybe closed because of Volcanic gases. Best and most current information and warnings can usually be found on https://safetravel.is
The eruption site is open unless the authorities deem the current conditions to dangorous. Rescue team members are on site from midday til 11pm (check or ask at start of trail or safetravel.is, because this may change in the future). Always follow their advise. Dont take any risk to find the cache if the area is closed or you dont feel comfortable in this environment.
The Hike
Depending on where you can park the hike can be from 3.5-5.5 km oneway. Good boots, hiking backpack with extra clothes, hiking poles, food and water is strongly recommended.