Greetings from La Palma. Thank you for talking about La Palma, where I live. I have the volcano 5 km from home and for 15 days I have been able to see its evolution. Very impressed, especially the continuous noise. Hola Tiziano
The Grapevine Newscast is one of the most informative and accessible news programs I have ever seen. Well done Valur, Art and Polly. I love the informal and descriptive way you cover issues and events. You have kept our travel to Iceland alive and have increased our desire to return, all the way from Australia and Aotearoa (Iceland's southern sister of volcanos, sheep and friendly people). Best wishes, Paul and Joanna.
I was just thinking that we were only going to get the one video this week and then right at the last minute on a Friday evening the best two news broadcasters in the world are back! Thanks Valur and Polly - have a great weekend.
Thank you very much for talking about what is happening in La Palma. I have followed you since the beginning of the eruption of the volcano in Iceland. You do a good job. Greetings from Madrid Spain! .................... Muchas gracias por hablar de lo que esta sucediendo en la Palma. Os sigo desde el inicio de la erupción de el volcán de Islandia. Hacéis un buen trabajo. Un saludo desde Madrid España!
@@DaddysDollxo Tsunamis are normally caused by earthquakes along underwater convergent plate boundaries. I don't believe anywhere in Iceland would build enough pressure to even cause a earthquake large enough anyway.
It's not so much that the magma forcing the plates apart, but rather the movement of the plates away from each other is part of what allows the magma to rise! (Though, of course, Iceland is an extra interesting case because there's a superheated plume of rock rising through the mantle directly under the spot where the plates are already moving apart. Unlike anywhere else in the world! I really loved the way the Lava Centre showed this combination of factors!) Meanwhile - the volcano in La Palma comes from one of those superheated mantle plumes on its own, with no plate boundary on top. (The megatsunami scare was more about a chunk of the island falling into the ocean, not really about fresh lava flows reaching the water. But lots of volcanologists have still debunked that, and I've seen geology Twitter trying to spread the word that the public shouldn't worry about this. I'm glad you're also spreading that word!)
Thanks so much for the update and for speaking English for us. Your English is perfect. You live in the most amazing, beautiful country on earth, kindness from Sydney Australia
Valur, (and Art and Poly) thank you so much for sharing your adventures on the Fagradalsfjall volcano with us. My wife and I have been hooked on your videos since March!
Thanks, once again for giving good info about the volcano, the volcanic under structure and all things Icelandic. Thanks too for mentioning LaPalma-it’s both spectacular and tragic.
Hello Valur, Art & Polly 👋🏼. I cannot for the life of me understand why people would risk their lives walking on the lava while it is still so hot that it is steaming. It just makes no sense to me at all. It also amazes me that the lava is still steaming even with the volcano having a little nap for around 2 weeks now. Let’s hope the earthquakes wake the little bugger up soon. Love & best wishes to you all from Queensland Australia 🇦🇺❤️
Pollie is a true TV presenter loves playing to the camera , happy to approach the public & always digging out a story 😂 last time Polly went digging, didn't the volcano go crazy? 😜 . Great to see you and love the news update ❤ xx
Valur, you must be heartily sick of climbing that trail. Polly, on the other hand, thinks it is the greatest thing since dog food and balls! Love your coverage almost since the first eruption of Bob.
I can't even begin to imagine how dangerous it must be to be walking on that lava. I doubt you can really tell how thick the crust is .. Thanks for all your reporting :)
@@goldreverre yes bruce.. i totally agree with you.. did you notice a couple of them bending down to ''feel'' the heat. to keep warm from the wind.. seems 2 were just standing yakking an warming them selves.. iriots huh.. cheers ..
@@jaodell1 Hence my sarcastic response... You don't have very thin rock with hot lava underneath after several months. It's gone cold and solid. If it was thin as you described, you'd feel the heat long before you got there. In fact, if you are fully suited up and can take the heat, you can still walk on hot rock. It's dense and a person is like a mosquito skimming over the top.
I live on the east coast of the USA & shall be the unofficial Reykjavik Grapevine correspondent. I am happy to report it is a lovely day, there is no tsunami and Donald Trump lost the election.
Thankful for your reports. Been following you for awhile. Can always count on your on the scene reporting. Hoping the volcanoe will become dormant. Prayers for your family and you.
The geography is stunning, as I've been watching you since the beginning of Bob! You've done a fantastic job with the drone footage of the volcano, and the history of your homeland of Iceland....Keep up the great job....Much lava to you, and your beautiful 4-legged furry friend! 💯❤️🌞✌️🕊️🤗🙏
Thanks your you updates! Crazy to see steam comming out of the cracks of weeks old lava and people still don't realize that there's an immanent danger of walking on lava ...
I heard the La Palma volcano produced 58m³/s at some point. That was like a week ago, no idea if its more or less now. And the fear of a Tsunami is based on the possibility that the whole flank of the La Palma volcano could slip into the Ocean. The chances for this happening on this eruption are ridiculously low, but it happend on other volcanoes in the past. Fogo , Krakatao and Stromboli had volcanic landslides that caused tsunamis for example.
In fact it happened 80,000 years ago on another island in the Canary Islands, "El Hierro" You can see the huge bite in the Gulf Valley "Valle de el Golfo" I create a Megatsunami that reached the coasts of North America and the Caribbean, causing a enormous destruction, visible in geological records.
I think they discovered a crack running along the west side, after the 1971 eruption. The Western side had already slipped down by about 2m, and it was predicted, at some point in the future, this side of the mountain could slide into the ocean. Hopefully, there are people monitoring its movements. Hopefully, these people can be trusted to do their job properly.
Evidence of the landslides underwater at both Hawaii & La Palma was discovered by navies mapping the deep ocean bottom for submarine navigation. They have kept most of the data secret. The one in the North sea was found during oil exploration - that was an underwater cliff that collapsed . The cause of the 1607 tsunami that flooded the Somerset Levels may have been an underwater landslide south of Ireland though other researchers have attributed it to a storm surge.
I absolutely love your channel. Love Polly. Such an amazing doggie. Thank you for sharing the wonderful wonders of Iceland. I look forward to newscast. Blessings
Regarding La Palma - There are large landslide deposits on the ocean floor around the Azores islands (and other volcanic island chains in some places around the world, like Hawaii too) with a volume of hundreds of cubic kilometers each, and based on how common the large fault scarps where these things would have to break away from are, large landslides from volcanic islands are not a super rare event in geologic history. The good news is geologic history is very long, even compared to the lifespan of entire human civilizations. Not only is it not likely that such an event will happen in any of our lifetimes anywhere in the world, it's unlikely that it will happen even once in the next 50,000 years. I have seen and read the paper in question. It is not very long and not super deep. The paper did correctly identify an unstable block of the mountain, posited this could potentially happen because there's good evidence large landslides like this have happened before, and we *know* it is at a minimum not fixed in place because this entire block of the island shifted by several meters in the 1940's during an eruption then. The paper then didn't assign a probability to it or anything they simply said "This block is potentially unsable; here's what would happen if it fell into the ocean." And their analysis of that event is, in fact, correct. They are being blamed for fearmongers reading what they said and using it to farm for clicks and views, and saying it is likely or that it WILL happen. The paper says NOTHING about the probability of this event. It's the fearmongers doing that, and this incorrectly attributed blame is deeply unfair to the authors of that paper. The largest volcanic landslide in recorded history - the failure of the north flank of Mt St Helens - saw the north flank of the mountain get pushed out tens of meters before it failed. The unstable block there was much smaller than this one. We'd likely see something similar before a landslide off La Palma, only more. Hundreds of meters of displacement would have to happen, and that's simply extremely unlikely with the current conditions of the volcano. Looking at the geologic history of past large volcanic landslides, it will take a truly gigantic eruption to push it free. This scale of landslide is the sort of thing that happens once every few hundred thousand years somewhere in the world, so on the scale of a human lifetime it is not a major hazard. Calling it a "one in a million chance" is not a statement I would disagree with. However, "They know nothing" I disagree with just as much as "this will happen tomorrow" because both of those are wildly incorrect. There's no reason to think that this is going to fail imminently, but there isn't just evidence that this huge chunk of mountain is potentially unstable, there is evidence that it has happened before. Once was even a chunk of literally the same island falling off. It is super unlikely. Especially with an eruption like this. Don't worry about it, as far as hazards are concerned.
"The claim that half of Cumbre Vieja dropped 4 m (13 ft) during the 1949 eruption is erroneous, and contradicted by physical evidence. No evidence was sought or shown that there is a fault line separating a "block" of La Palma from the other half. Physical evidence shows a 4 km (2 mi) long line in the rock, but the models assumed a 25 km (16 mi) line, for which no physical evidence was given. Further, there is no evidence shown that the 4 km (2 mi) long line extends beyond the surface. There has never been an Atlantic megatsunami in recorded history. A survey carried out by Moss et al.; (1999)[15] reported that the western flank is stable with no indication of aseismic creep being recorded. The 1949 crack to be a shallow and inactive surface expression. They do suggest that the crack should be monitored, but consider the possibility that the edifice is unstable as being almost non-existent."
I agree with most of your analysis, except the comparison to Mt. St. Helens. That was a landslide caused by a literal lateral eruption, which is what caused the bulge. Cumbre Vieja is already erupting, and it’s not a lateral eruption. The bulge is caused by magma trapped completely underground, which is not the case on La Palma. Pressure is being released by the current eruption. A potential landslide would much more likely be sudden, with the unstable block being suddenly dislodged by the ongoing seismic activity associated with the eruption. I’m not sure how close the eruption is to the unstable portion of the island. I actually watched a documentary where they walked inside the crack where the land had subsided.
@@JanSolo555 I agree Mt. St. Helens is not the best comparison, but I wanted to make a comparison that people would know that was at least similar. You're correct that the technical details of why it slid are quite different, but at a minimum it is proof that giant landslides are possible.
This volcanoe has been spectacular in every way and she has gone to sleep and now la palma puts on a major display thank you for the million miles you have walked with Polly dog got a feeling there will be more 🙏❤️😎
I love watching your videos with Polly in them. What a wonderful dog she is, I'm sorry I never got to meet her in person. I suspect that your volcano isn't finished yet.
Valur showing great restraint not to shout at the idiots walking on the lava! It’ll just take one knobhead to get injured and/or burnt and then they’ll stop…may be! Great newscast. Thanks guys and Polly.
Lava Centre has an earthquake alert service, signed up when I was there in 2018, have received several alert emails this week linked to the activity near Keillir.
These newscasts are very informative and interesting. Thanks to you AND Polly for allowing me these virtual visits to an amazing country I'll likely never be able to see in person. Polly really IS a sweet, friendly dog. Virtual scratches behind the ears to her!
So many pillocks on that lava. At this stage, even if one of them fell through and suffered a horrific death, there would still be more pillocks wandering around on it just to see where it happened.
That's when we all pray that the world will open up and swallow them all! 🙏🏻 Even if they don't die I believe the lava can be very sharp, the cuts would be deep and there could also be toxins in that lava to poison them.
@@hrford Ever heard the term 'self preservation'? it's supposed to be mans' highest motivational instinct! If someone is so stupid that they have forgotten this, it's NOT because they are brave. You would pray to protect idiots that do NOT protect themselves? . . so who IS the fool here?
Bushcraft Bear on RUclips is a local in La Palma, Canary Island who has been giving updates on what's happening there. Good info. Thought I'd just pass that on. Always love watching Polly in the background just being herself. Thanks for the info
I walked on the 1971 lava flow in La Palma in the early 1980's and the fumes coming out of the cracks were still hot enough to melt the sole of your shoes . If you stuck sticks or twigs into the cracks they would burst into flames. No one worried about the dangers then but the lava was over 10 years old. I wonder how the risk of walking on the lava compares to the risks of walking around the hot springs where the water is approaching 100 C and the soil is quite fragile.
It is a rift zone. And as has been stated a divergent plate boundary. Rifting in Iceland tends to be episodic not continuous and we are witnessing such an episode. The earthquakes are caused by the rifting in the volcanic belt.
the opening aerial drone shot was brilliant. For the first time I could see the "reverse" view to Reikjavik from the lava field. Are pilots pointing out the place on their approach or ascent from Keflavik?
Valur Please! As a dog lover like you, I worry about Polly running onto the lava crust. It can seem stable, but give way easily. Humans are responsible for themselves and their silly choices, but Polly isn't. As a geologist, I sadly have seen several people get burned and ond dog and man die from crusts giving way or falling into hidden mud pots. We love you both, and Art!
Thank You Valur, Art and Polly for the great footage and commentary. As always, very interesting and entertaining. Polly has great energy. So many people are walking on smoking lava! Most are dressed in dark clothing and would be difficult to find if they got into trouble / fell through the crust / into a lava tunnel. Very disrespectful and foolish. imo. The La Palma eruption is very similar to the Eldfell, Westman Islands eruption. It may give the people of La Palma hope that they too can recover from this catastrophe. Stay safe. 🇮🇸🌋💕
Polly just proves what is said about Border Collie's-their very active like to dig- friendly to everyone- need lots or exercise and quiet and beautiful dogs
There was a bit of glow in the crater last night, or early morning rather. So it is not totally inactive, even if its not comparable to what it was before. But I wouldn't call it over just yet. And I wouldn't walk around on the lava field yet, either... But in Iceland you have been lucky so far, as everything happenend in a empty landscape more or less. What is happening on La Palma is really bad, all that property is permanently lost, or for many years to come at least. And if the volcano doesn't soon stop, it could get much worse and destroy most of the populated part of the island. To the Tsunami rumors... that has always been a danger, it has nothing to do with the current eruption. The Canari Islands are a group of huge moutains, which are around 7000m high, that are below the sea level except for the summits. There is always the risk of a huge underwater landslide on one of the mountain sides, may be triggered by a strong earthquake. The bit of lava that is flowing into the sea now has no relevance for that.
Hawaiian lava flows of about 10m thick take about 18 months after they stop erupting to completely solidify with temperatures just below the surface well over 100C. It is easy to get burned or put your foot into a hot void. The deep pools of lava that will have formed up on Geldingadalur could take decades to solidify, the best example I can think of is Kilauea Iki which erupted in 1959; the lava lake in its crater took 35 years to solidify. One really good reason not to walk even on the solid lava flows here is that the surface is made of shards of glass - the video doesn’t show it, but I was blown away by the beautiful iridescent blue glass on these flows. And it is SHARP! I can’t think how many pairs of boots I’ve gone through walking on older, cooler lava flows - and more than a few cuts to the hands in my time. Also, the lava is now a national monument, the Icelandic government doesn’t want people damaging it. We’re just visitors to their country, let’s respect it. Do what the T-shirt says - Don’t Walk on the Lava.
I have checked the Nátthagi valley webcam almost every day, even back when the valley floor was free of new lava. For the past month, it has often LOOKED like the lava currently on the floor hasn't changed. Same old flat expanse. However, I could see very liquid lava running down the valley walls and going SOMEWHERE. As the Editor walked along the border, it was clear that this "cool" lava had somehow thickened enormously, with big ridges and valleys. Perhaps the lava moved at only a centimeter a day, but it did move. To move at all, lava has to be at least red hot, enough to badly burn you in a fraction of a second.
@@stuartschaffner9744 I was there last month when the volcano was having a sleep and the lava has definitely got thicker since then. (Here comes the science bit) - lava flows can ‘inflate’ as more lava fills them from the inside - they can gradually blow up like a balloon without anyone ever seeing molten rock. And yes, you’re right - the interior will have to be at least 1000C for the lava to flow. It is really hot just below those peoples’ feet.
@@stuartschaffner9744 Yes, it can be deceptive. On the surface it looks solid, but who knows how thick the crust really is. And also, if there are still some hidden flows in tunnels. As I said, last night there was definatly a orange glow inside the vent, lighting up the smoke above. So I think its pretty careless to run around on the lava - especially as it gains you nothing to do so.
Hi, the La Palma tsunami theory does not base on lava hitting the ocean, but from - a fissure could cause a part of the island breaking off the mainland and fall into the ocean and cause the tsunami.
Yes, agree with that 100% I watched an online video about that La palma scenario some time ago. Tsunamis are caused by HUGE SUDDEN MOVEMENT of HUGE pieces of landmass... Lava dripping into the ocean does not fill that catagory of huge landmass moving suddenly. Simple as that.
Gotta love the people behind you walking out on smoking lava. :D And, haha, you apologize to strangers for Polly, while they are so happy interacting with Polly. At the end, I was so focused on the Darwin award wannabees, I almost missed Polly coming up on the left. Ach, the crackling packaging as you opened the Hraun bar...yes, yes, my next order will definitely include that one, as well as more Polo biscuits, Krem-kex and more samplings of the awesome Omnom chocolates.
Austria had a situation that was comparable to what you reported about Icelandic elections. When in 2016 the election of the President (Bundespräsident) was over, it revealed that postal votes had been counted days before the law allowed it. It was argued that this was a kind of tradition and had always been like that. Finally the Constitutional Court (Verfassungsgerichtshof) ruled that the elections had to be repeated. It didn't change the outcome though, but they will sure have a closer look at the calendar before they start to open postal votes. Not to speak about the German elections (Bundestagswahl) 2021 when some Berlin polling places run out of ballots, but that is a different story and still under investigation.
I was wondering about all the small yellow rocks dotted about the surface of the lava... I'm almost sure they didn't fly there, or even roll there, so probably thrown there by humans. What a primitive species we still are...
Hello from Salt Lake City, UT, USA. Just wanted to tell you Thank You for all the amazing videos. We love them and share then all the time. I'm looking at your channel think you should update your pix and background. You have some of the most spectacular shots that would more accurately represent your channel. Also if you have shirts or a Patreon set up I would like to support your Channel. Be safe and Thanks again!
I wonder how smart Polly is, not to go onto the lava to join the people she sees in the background - knowing that she loves the attention she gets from strangers.
A major landslide in La Palma leading to a tsunami is not going to happen with the current eruption. A landslide will only occur if there is sufficient pressure from magma to force the ground to be lifted many metres, as occured several decades ago with Mt. St. Helens. There is currently no evidence of ground uplift in La Palma. So little chance that a landslide leading to a tsunami would be triggered.
Hi Christopher, Just a polite question. Are you sure a landslip needs land lift to start it. I think heavy rain with land saturation more likely to start a landslide, not right now but at any point in the future. You mentioned St Helens, but was that a landslide. I thought it was more that the side of the mountain blew outwards.
@@georgecarroll3470 Heavy rainfall is a common cause of landslides. However the theoretical and unlikely tsunami-causing landslip envisaged in the case of La Palma, where many cubic kilometres of rock slide into the sea causing a dome of water hundreds of metres in height,, would require landlift to be triggered.
Re La Palma: The mega-tsunami risk has nothing to do with lava hitting the ocean. It has to do with the potential for a large section of the island, which is surrounded by a deep rift, to collapse into the ocean. It would take MUCH stronger seismic activity than this magmatic system is capable of producing to precipitate such a sector collapse.
This collapse in the ocean is not from a single event, but will be the result of many seismic activities. Many activities over time = as 1 strong or big event, with every activity the structure weakens. At some point in time one activity will been proven to be one too many, then the structure fails and collapse in the ocean that generates a tsunami wave. The force of the wave depends on how smooth the slide is and how far the chunk of land separates of its original location.
How can I subscribe to your Grapevine magazine? I look forward to each of your newscasts. Just received my T-shirt. I'll wear it proudly. Best to you and Poly.
A quick comment regarding the idea of La Palma creating a mega tsunami. The idea was that the whole side of the mountain could fall away and slide into the ocean. This was because there was what appeared to be a fault near the ridge that forms the spine of the island. The is no indication that this fault is anything more than a surface feature. So no mega-tsunami.
Thanks for adding that Alan - saved me some typing. La Palma is probably pretty stable, however, Hawaii might be one to watch (if you have a few million years and nothing else to do), there are a series of massive slides off of Oahu and Molokai caused by the sides of volcanoes sliding downhill. But I wouldn’t put off a trip to Hawaii because of that!
@@mikerichards6065 That would be, what, a 5 metre tsunami in eastern Scotland, 3 metres in East Anglia? But what would coastal Lancashire, where I am, get? Less than a metre I would guess because of the narrows between Ireland and Scotland. It might knock some sense into some,I guess. But then, we might be able to generate our own. Wasn't there some (admittedly rather wild) speculation that a similar event in the southern Irish sea causing massive flooding around the Bristol Channel in the early 17th century?
@@alanswindells2257 well remembered, there was a theory that a submarine earthquake in the SW Approaches caused a tsunami along the Severn in 1607. More recently, it’s been disproved as there were similar floods right around the UK at the same time, so it was probably a storm surge along the lines of the catastrophic North Sea floods that devastated the Netherlands and the East Coast in 1953. Can’t promise a tsunami of any size coming your way - the closest I can see is the one from the mysterious 1755 Lisbon earthquake (still largely unexplained) which saw a tsunami hit Cornwall where huge boulders where thrown ashore in places like Lamorna. There are also some records from the Dark Ages that suggest an 11th Century tsunami killed large numbers of people in Cornwall. Annoyingly, they were too busy with the woad and wicker men to keep proper scientific records which might say what happened - honestly, some people…
Enjoyed your chat today but you said that democracy is quite new to Iceland. What about Pingvellir where the Althing was founded in 930AD. This is regarded as the oldest form of parliament in the world, I think, and by its very nature, was democratic.
Yes, we have the longest running parliament in the world of course, but like Henry said, we were of course under the Danish monarchy for hundreds of years before we became free again.
Valur, Re La Palma 9 days ago scientists said the volcano is stabilising or relaxing. Next day a new vent opened with a fury, and was producing big shock waves. Since then, another vent opened, and pushed out enough lava to reach the ocean. Cumbre Vieja is growing in violence, and should not be misunderstood. It has the capability of being a life changing event for many thousands of people. It is important not to be dismissive about this Volcano. I first read about this volcano fifty years ago, and it is now proving itself to be a bigger problem than scientists admit to.
Yep, Valur was thinking of Surtsey which erupted in 1963 until 1967. The other volcano he mentioned was an eruption on Heimaey in 1973 when a new volcano erupted just outside of the town. The island was evacuated and the lava threatened Iceland’s biggest fishing port. There was a heroic operation by the Icelanders and the US Navy to pump billions of litres of seawater on the advancing lava and they stopped the flow from destroying the town. The lava was diverted into the ocean and it actually formed a new breakwater that protected the harbour. Eventually people were able to return and the town was rebuilt. Some houses were buried in ash and are being excavated right now as a time capsule into life in early 1970s. One person died in the eruption (and perhaps some sheep) and I think they were the last person to die in an Icelandic eruption. If you ever go to Iceland, I recommend taking a trip to over to Heimaey; it’s amazingly beautiful, the volcano museum is great and you can easily climb the new volcano Eldfell and feel the heat just below the surface after nearly 50 years. It is only a few years since the lava cooled below a point where it wasn’t actually hot enough to generate electricity. The Eldfell eruption is the setting for Yrsa Sigurðadottir’s murder mystery ‘Ashes to Ashes’ which is a great read.
The problem with La Palma and worse Grand Canaria is that there is huge faults in the sides of the volcano and there is the fear that the eruption could trigger a landslide
Greetings from La Palma.
Thank you for talking about La Palma, where I live.
I have the volcano 5 km from home and for 15 days I have been able to see its evolution.
Very impressed, especially the continuous noise.
Hola
Tiziano
BBC, ITV, Channel 4 News * I Sleep...
The Reykjavik Grapevine * I watch immediately!
So impressed with the camera man being able to film so smoothly, while seemingly walking backwards, without wiping out on the uneven terrain.
I suspect Art is really capable of self levitation. He's too smooth for feet!
The colors and shapes of the land are particularly beautiful today. The photography is mezmerizing
@@heartwings2517 I was thinking the same thing -- Art seems to float over the rough terrain.
I agree. The camera man is a pro on two feet. Well done ALL.
I always feel better after viewing your Newscast. Chief of morale officer is wonderful. Thank you so much.
The Grapevine Newscast is one of the most informative and accessible news programs I have ever seen. Well done Valur, Art and Polly. I love the informal and descriptive way you cover issues and events. You have kept our travel to Iceland alive and have increased our desire to return, all the way from Australia and Aotearoa (Iceland's southern sister of volcanos, sheep and friendly people). Best wishes, Paul and Joanna.
I think Polly likes to dig in the moss because it’s soft and easy to mess up. Such a sweet pup she is. You too, Valur, a matched pair. ❤️🐾
I was just thinking that we were only going to get the one video this week and then right at the last minute on a Friday evening the best two news broadcasters in the world are back! Thanks Valur and Polly - have a great weekend.
👍❣️
Thank you very much for talking about what is happening in La Palma. I have followed you since the beginning of the eruption of the volcano in Iceland. You do a good job. Greetings from Madrid Spain!
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Muchas gracias por hablar de lo que esta sucediendo en la Palma. Os sigo desde el inicio de la erupción de el volcán de Islandia. Hacéis un buen trabajo. Un saludo desde Madrid España!
The tectonic plates' movement are called a divergent boundary, so the plates are moving away from each other :)
Sounds fun until tsunamis happen and people die
@@DaddysDollxo Tsunamis are normally caused by earthquakes along underwater convergent plate boundaries.
I don't believe anywhere in Iceland would build enough pressure to even cause a earthquake large enough anyway.
It's not so much that the magma forcing the plates apart, but rather the movement of the plates away from each other is part of what allows the magma to rise! (Though, of course, Iceland is an extra interesting case because there's a superheated plume of rock rising through the mantle directly under the spot where the plates are already moving apart. Unlike anywhere else in the world! I really loved the way the Lava Centre showed this combination of factors!)
Meanwhile - the volcano in La Palma comes from one of those superheated mantle plumes on its own, with no plate boundary on top.
(The megatsunami scare was more about a chunk of the island falling into the ocean, not really about fresh lava flows reaching the water. But lots of volcanologists have still debunked that, and I've seen geology Twitter trying to spread the word that the public shouldn't worry about this. I'm glad you're also spreading that word!)
I like the way Polly stands and looks at the guy standing on the lava, as if to say, Dad! Here's somebody being stupid again!
Thanks so much for the update and for speaking English for us. Your English is perfect. You live in the most amazing, beautiful country on earth, kindness from Sydney Australia
Thank you!
Polly has the zoomies! LOL
Valur, (and Art and Poly) thank you so much for sharing your adventures on the Fagradalsfjall volcano with us. My wife and I have been hooked on your videos since March!
Thanks Art, thanks Poli, thanks Valur. Great video.
All the best to poor people at La Palma loosing houses and jobs at the same time.
Thanks, once again for giving good info about the volcano, the volcanic under structure and all things Icelandic. Thanks too for mentioning LaPalma-it’s both spectacular and tragic.
Maybe the government should hire Clint Eastwood for a couple days to stand out there and yell "Get off my Lava!". Fist shaking would be optional.
Hello Valur, Art & Polly 👋🏼. I cannot for the life of me understand why people would risk their lives walking on the lava while it is still so hot that it is steaming. It just makes no sense to me at all. It also amazes me that the lava is still steaming even with the volcano having a little nap for around 2 weeks now. Let’s hope the earthquakes wake the little bugger up soon.
Love & best wishes to you all from Queensland Australia 🇦🇺❤️
The establishing Drone shot was a great way to open this episode …
Pollie is a true TV presenter loves playing to the camera
, happy to approach the public & always digging out a story 😂 last time Polly went digging, didn't the volcano go crazy? 😜 . Great to see you and love the news update ❤ xx
hahaha you noticed her then.. ahh aye she is lovin the camera or the chap that runs it.. x
POLLY.... so much more intelligent than many humans xxx
Polly ... The Iceland volcano mascot.
Always so nice to see you Valur.
Love the way you tell the news.
Tried the Hraun.
Very addicting 🙂
Proud of Polly…she knows not to walk on the lava flow….yeah dog sense
Like glass Cuts Dustin is dangerous too
She ain't no dummy. 😊
Valur, you must be heartily sick of climbing that trail. Polly, on the other hand, thinks it is the greatest thing since dog food and balls! Love your coverage almost since the first eruption of Bob.
I can't even begin to imagine how dangerous it must be to be walking on that lava. I doubt you can really tell how thick the crust is .. Thanks for all your reporting :)
I know right. It's only been there for a few months. Any moment, they could step on the wrong spot and break through 4 metres of solid rock
@@goldreverre yes bruce.. i totally agree with you.. did you notice a couple of them bending down to ''feel'' the heat. to keep warm from the wind.. seems 2 were just standing yakking an warming them selves.. iriots huh.. cheers ..
Those people are crazy stupid.
@@goldreverre No I don't think they would break through 4 metres of solid rock! The danger is walking on very thin rock and falling into hot rock.
@@jaodell1 Hence my sarcastic response... You don't have very thin rock with hot lava underneath after several months. It's gone cold and solid. If it was thin as you described, you'd feel the heat long before you got there. In fact, if you are fully suited up and can take the heat, you can still walk on hot rock. It's dense and a person is like a mosquito skimming over the top.
Thank you. 💞 I've been a subscriber since before the eruption, and you are still my favorite. Much love from Oklahoma 💞. Brenda
I live on the east coast of the USA & shall be the unofficial Reykjavik Grapevine correspondent. I am happy to report it is a lovely day, there is no tsunami and Donald Trump lost the election.
🤣👏
Thankful for your reports. Been following you for awhile. Can always count on your on the scene reporting. Hoping the volcanoe will become dormant. Prayers for your family and you.
Thanks again for the news and great photography!
The geography is stunning, as I've been watching you since the beginning of Bob!
You've done a fantastic job with the drone footage of the volcano, and the history of your homeland of Iceland....Keep up the great job....Much lava to you, and your beautiful 4-legged furry friend! 💯❤️🌞✌️🕊️🤗🙏
Thanks your you updates!
Crazy to see steam comming out of the cracks of weeks old lava and people still don't realize that there's an immanent danger of walking on lava ...
Polly's 'bad' example made me laugh so hard I cried! What a doggo. 🥰
‘Oh, look! They’re on the lava so it must be safe, let’s go wander on the smoking lava too.’ Lol
I heard the La Palma volcano produced 58m³/s at some point. That was like a week ago, no idea if its more or less now. And the fear of a Tsunami is based on the possibility that the whole flank of the La Palma volcano could slip into the Ocean. The chances for this happening on this eruption are ridiculously low, but it happend on other volcanoes in the past. Fogo , Krakatao and Stromboli had volcanic landslides that caused tsunamis for example.
In fact it happened 80,000 years ago on another island in the Canary Islands, "El Hierro" You can see the huge bite in the Gulf Valley "Valle de el Golfo" I create a Megatsunami that reached the coasts of North America and the Caribbean, causing a enormous destruction, visible in geological records.
I think they discovered a crack running along the west side, after the 1971 eruption. The Western side had already slipped down by about 2m, and it was predicted, at some point in the future, this side of the mountain could slide into the ocean. Hopefully, there are people monitoring its movements. Hopefully, these people can be trusted to do their job properly.
I think ground deformation is not high enough for this landslide to happen…
Evidence of the landslides underwater at both Hawaii & La Palma was discovered by navies mapping the deep ocean bottom for submarine navigation. They have kept most of the data secret. The one in the North sea was found during oil exploration - that was an underwater cliff that collapsed . The cause of the 1607 tsunami that flooded the Somerset Levels may have been an underwater landslide south of Ireland though other researchers have attributed it to a storm surge.
I absolutely love your channel. Love Polly. Such an amazing doggie. Thank you for sharing the wonderful wonders of Iceland. I look forward to newscast. Blessings
Regarding La Palma -
There are large landslide deposits on the ocean floor around the Azores islands (and other volcanic island chains in some places around the world, like Hawaii too) with a volume of hundreds of cubic kilometers each, and based on how common the large fault scarps where these things would have to break away from are, large landslides from volcanic islands are not a super rare event in geologic history. The good news is geologic history is very long, even compared to the lifespan of entire human civilizations. Not only is it not likely that such an event will happen in any of our lifetimes anywhere in the world, it's unlikely that it will happen even once in the next 50,000 years.
I have seen and read the paper in question. It is not very long and not super deep. The paper did correctly identify an unstable block of the mountain, posited this could potentially happen because there's good evidence large landslides like this have happened before, and we *know* it is at a minimum not fixed in place because this entire block of the island shifted by several meters in the 1940's during an eruption then. The paper then didn't assign a probability to it or anything they simply said "This block is potentially unsable; here's what would happen if it fell into the ocean." And their analysis of that event is, in fact, correct.
They are being blamed for fearmongers reading what they said and using it to farm for clicks and views, and saying it is likely or that it WILL happen. The paper says NOTHING about the probability of this event. It's the fearmongers doing that, and this incorrectly attributed blame is deeply unfair to the authors of that paper.
The largest volcanic landslide in recorded history - the failure of the north flank of Mt St Helens - saw the north flank of the mountain get pushed out tens of meters before it failed. The unstable block there was much smaller than this one. We'd likely see something similar before a landslide off La Palma, only more. Hundreds of meters of displacement would have to happen, and that's simply extremely unlikely with the current conditions of the volcano.
Looking at the geologic history of past large volcanic landslides, it will take a truly gigantic eruption to push it free. This scale of landslide is the sort of thing that happens once every few hundred thousand years somewhere in the world, so on the scale of a human lifetime it is not a major hazard. Calling it a "one in a million chance" is not a statement I would disagree with. However, "They know nothing" I disagree with just as much as "this will happen tomorrow" because both of those are wildly incorrect. There's no reason to think that this is going to fail imminently, but there isn't just evidence that this huge chunk of mountain is potentially unstable, there is evidence that it has happened before. Once was even a chunk of literally the same island falling off.
It is super unlikely. Especially with an eruption like this. Don't worry about it, as far as hazards are concerned.
"The claim that half of Cumbre Vieja dropped 4 m (13 ft) during the 1949 eruption is erroneous, and contradicted by physical evidence.
No evidence was sought or shown that there is a fault line separating a "block" of La Palma from the other half.
Physical evidence shows a 4 km (2 mi) long line in the rock, but the models assumed a 25 km (16 mi) line, for which no physical evidence was given. Further, there is no evidence shown that the 4 km (2 mi) long line extends beyond the surface.
There has never been an Atlantic megatsunami in recorded history.
A survey carried out by Moss et al.; (1999)[15] reported that the western flank is stable with no indication of aseismic creep being recorded.
The 1949 crack to be a shallow and inactive surface expression. They do suggest that the crack should be monitored, but consider the possibility that the edifice is unstable as being almost non-existent."
I agree with most of your analysis, except the comparison to Mt. St. Helens. That was a landslide caused by a literal lateral eruption, which is what caused the bulge. Cumbre Vieja is already erupting, and it’s not a lateral eruption. The bulge is caused by magma trapped completely underground, which is not the case on La Palma. Pressure is being released by the current eruption. A potential landslide would much more likely be sudden, with the unstable block being suddenly dislodged by the ongoing seismic activity associated with the eruption. I’m not sure how close the eruption is to the unstable portion of the island. I actually watched a documentary where they walked inside the crack where the land had subsided.
@@JanSolo555 I agree Mt. St. Helens is not the best comparison, but I wanted to make a comparison that people would know that was at least similar. You're correct that the technical details of why it slid are quite different, but at a minimum it is proof that giant landslides are possible.
This volcanoe has been spectacular in every way and she has gone to sleep and now la palma puts on a major display thank you for the million miles you have walked with Polly dog got a feeling there will be more 🙏❤️😎
I love watching your videos with Polly in them. What a wonderful dog she is, I'm sorry I never got to meet her in person. I suspect that your volcano isn't finished yet.
I love Polly, wonderful dog, had my dog 19 years.
Valur showing great restraint not to shout at the idiots walking on the lava! It’ll just take one knobhead to get injured and/or burnt and then they’ll stop…may be! Great newscast. Thanks guys and Polly.
Lava Centre has an earthquake alert service, signed up when I was there in 2018, have received several alert emails this week linked to the activity near Keillir.
I agree. It's a great service. Glad that I signed up! 🌋
These newscasts are very informative and interesting. Thanks to you AND Polly for allowing me these virtual visits to an amazing country I'll likely never be able to see in person. Polly really IS a sweet, friendly dog. Virtual scratches behind the ears to her!
Excellent as always Valur! I wish all news programs were presented you way 🙏
At one point it was 59 cubic metres per sec of lava flow for La Palma
So many pillocks on that lava. At this stage, even if one of them fell through and suffered a horrific death, there would still be more pillocks wandering around on it just to see where it happened.
so right you are.. people are just so nosy an think they have no fear about anything, especially over a spewing volcano.. really, i despair.. lol xx
That's when we all pray that the world will open up and swallow them all! 🙏🏻
Even if they don't die I believe the lava can be very sharp, the cuts would be deep and there could also be toxins in that lava to poison them.
@@johnzuijdveld9585 Praying for somebody to die. Interesting. :|
@@hrford I DONT 🤣 I use the word pray as a figure of speech literally I just hope idiots get what they deserve so bless you too! 🤣
@@hrford Ever heard the term 'self preservation'? it's supposed to be mans' highest motivational instinct! If someone is so stupid that they have forgotten this, it's NOT because they are brave.
You would pray to protect idiots that do NOT protect themselves? . . so who IS the fool here?
Bushcraft Bear yt for LA palma
I like the idea of naming a thing nameless. 👌
There's a volcano in Siberia, Bezymianny, whose name does translate to "no name"!
Did any one notice that this volcano stopped 14 days ago and La Palma started 13 days ago.
No, but Interesting.
The plates are spreading apart in Iceland.
Goodness me Iceland la Palmer and hawai! Busy busy
Love your crazeee Border collie Polly 🙏
Bushcraft Bear on RUclips is a local in La Palma, Canary Island who has been giving updates on what's happening there. Good info. Thought I'd just pass that on. Always love watching Polly in the background just being herself. Thanks for the info
I walked on the 1971 lava flow in La Palma in the early 1980's and the fumes coming out of the cracks were still hot enough to melt the sole of your shoes . If you stuck sticks or twigs into the cracks they would burst into flames. No one worried about the dangers then but the lava was over 10 years old.
I wonder how the risk of walking on the lava compares to the risks of walking around the hot springs where the water is approaching 100 C and the soil is quite fragile.
It is a rift zone. And as has been stated a divergent plate boundary. Rifting in Iceland tends to be episodic not continuous and we are witnessing such an episode. The earthquakes are caused by the rifting in the volcanic belt.
iceland volcano has been filling the valleys, the canarian one just went down hill
Also the Canarian one had 2-3 storey high lava flows! :-o
Valur and Polly....thank you for a great volcanocast!
the opening aerial drone shot was brilliant. For the first time I could see the "reverse" view to Reikjavik from the lava field. Are pilots pointing out the place on their approach or ascent from Keflavik?
Another informative and enjoyable newscast. Thanks Art, Valur and Polly
Valur Please! As a dog lover like you, I worry about Polly running onto the lava crust. It can seem stable, but give way easily. Humans are responsible for themselves and their silly choices, but Polly isn't. As a geologist, I sadly have seen several people get burned and ond dog and man die from crusts giving way or falling into hidden mud pots. We love you both, and Art!
I was thinking "Even Polly has sense to stay off the lava," until 15:22. But then, she only hopped on the edge for a moment.
Sir thank you for your info stay safe
Fun to catch up on the Reykjavik Grapevine news while at the airport waiting for my flight to Iceland.
Velkominn!
@@TheReykjavikGrapevine Thanks! Very glad to be here. Sorry I will not be able to join one of your Reykjavik walks this time.
I'm not much of a dog person but Polly is the best!
Thank you for the news! I don’t watch my local broadcast. You are my main source
Thank You Valur, Art and Polly for the great footage and commentary. As always, very interesting and entertaining. Polly has great energy. So many people are walking on smoking lava! Most are dressed in dark clothing and would be difficult to find if they got into trouble / fell through the crust / into a lava tunnel. Very disrespectful and foolish. imo.
The La Palma eruption is very similar to the Eldfell, Westman Islands eruption. It may give the people of La Palma hope that they too can recover from this catastrophe. Stay safe. 🇮🇸🌋💕
Polly just proves what is said about Border Collie's-their very active like to dig- friendly to everyone- need lots or exercise and quiet and beautiful dogs
A walking man of earth 🌍 !!!
Maybe a stupid question, but why are there so many stones lying on the lava?
There was a bit of glow in the crater last night, or early morning rather. So it is not totally inactive, even if its not comparable to what it was before. But I wouldn't call it over just yet. And I wouldn't walk around on the lava field yet, either...
But in Iceland you have been lucky so far, as everything happenend in a empty landscape more or less. What is happening on La Palma is really bad, all that property is permanently lost, or for many years to come at least. And if the volcano doesn't soon stop, it could get much worse and destroy most of the populated part of the island.
To the Tsunami rumors... that has always been a danger, it has nothing to do with the current eruption. The Canari Islands are a group of huge moutains, which are around 7000m high, that are below the sea level except for the summits. There is always the risk of a huge underwater landslide on one of the mountain sides, may be triggered by a strong earthquake. The bit of lava that is flowing into the sea now has no relevance for that.
Hawaiian lava flows of about 10m thick take about 18 months after they stop erupting to completely solidify with temperatures just below the surface well over 100C. It is easy to get burned or put your foot into a hot void.
The deep pools of lava that will have formed up on Geldingadalur could take decades to solidify, the best example I can think of is Kilauea Iki which erupted in 1959; the lava lake in its crater took 35 years to solidify.
One really good reason not to walk even on the solid lava flows here is that the surface is made of shards of glass - the video doesn’t show it, but I was blown away by the beautiful iridescent blue glass on these flows. And it is SHARP! I can’t think how many pairs of boots I’ve gone through walking on older, cooler lava flows - and more than a few cuts to the hands in my time.
Also, the lava is now a national monument, the Icelandic government doesn’t want people damaging it. We’re just visitors to their country, let’s respect it.
Do what the T-shirt says - Don’t Walk on the Lava.
I have checked the Nátthagi valley webcam almost every day, even back when the valley floor was free of new lava. For the past month, it has often LOOKED like the lava currently on the floor hasn't changed. Same old flat expanse. However, I could see very liquid lava running down the valley walls and going SOMEWHERE. As the Editor walked along the border, it was clear that this "cool" lava had somehow thickened enormously, with big ridges and valleys. Perhaps the lava moved at only a centimeter a day, but it did move. To move at all, lava has to be at least red hot, enough to badly burn you in a fraction of a second.
@@stuartschaffner9744 I was there last month when the volcano was having a sleep and the lava has definitely got thicker since then. (Here comes the science bit) - lava flows can ‘inflate’ as more lava fills them from the inside - they can gradually blow up like a balloon without anyone ever seeing molten rock.
And yes, you’re right - the interior will have to be at least 1000C for the lava to flow. It is really hot just below those peoples’ feet.
@@stuartschaffner9744 Yes, it can be deceptive. On the surface it looks solid, but who knows how thick the crust really is. And also, if there are still some hidden flows in tunnels. As I said, last night there was definatly a orange glow inside the vent, lighting up the smoke above.
So I think its pretty careless to run around on the lava - especially as it gains you nothing to do so.
Hopefully those responsible for elections will take heed and work on improving procedures as well as improving training.
Someone has the zoomies …lol. Hi Polly. My huskies would luv to play with you. 🐕
P.s I've already subscribed!!!
Awesome! Thank you!
I respect your thoughts and wisdom!
Hi,
the La Palma tsunami theory does not base on lava hitting the ocean, but from - a fissure could cause a part of the island breaking off the mainland and fall into the ocean and cause the tsunami.
Yes, agree with that 100% I watched an online video about that La palma scenario some time ago.
Tsunamis are caused by HUGE SUDDEN MOVEMENT of HUGE pieces of landmass... Lava dripping into the ocean does not fill that catagory of huge landmass moving suddenly. Simple as that.
Gotta love the people behind you walking out on smoking lava. :D And, haha, you apologize to strangers for Polly, while they are so happy interacting with Polly. At the end, I was so focused on the Darwin award wannabees, I almost missed Polly coming up on the left. Ach, the crackling packaging as you opened the Hraun bar...yes, yes, my next order will definitely include that one, as well as more Polo biscuits, Krem-kex and more samplings of the awesome Omnom chocolates.
Very happy to hear about your election procedures being up held! Polly is adorable!
Austria had a situation that was comparable to what you reported about Icelandic elections. When in 2016 the election of the President (Bundespräsident) was over, it revealed that postal votes had been counted days before the law allowed it. It was argued that this was a kind of tradition and had always been like that. Finally the Constitutional Court (Verfassungsgerichtshof) ruled that the elections had to be repeated. It didn't change the outcome though, but they will sure have a closer look at the calendar before they start to open postal votes.
Not to speak about the German elections (Bundestagswahl) 2021 when some Berlin polling places run out of ballots, but that is a different story and still under investigation.
I love lava box and really ♡ love Lava Beer. And I love your site. Thank you for you time n effort for us ♡... Adrienne from the USA
I was wondering about all the small yellow rocks dotted about the surface of the lava... I'm almost sure they didn't fly there, or even roll there, so probably thrown there by humans.
What a primitive species we still are...
Hello from Salt Lake City, UT, USA. Just wanted to tell you Thank You for all the amazing videos. We love them and share then all the time. I'm looking at your channel think you should update your pix and background. You have some of the most spectacular shots that would more accurately represent your channel. Also if you have shirts or a Patreon set up I would like to support your Channel. Be safe and Thanks again!
Hey Ashley, thanks for the comments and feedback, we're working on some big updates over here so please check back in soon!
I wonder how smart Polly is, not to go onto the lava to join the people she sees in the background - knowing that she loves the attention she gets from strangers.
Polly has no shoes, only leather pads. That lava is sharp as broken glass because, well, it IS broken glass
I think las Palmas is super intetesting
Polly knows when your talking about her🐶
Did the vid show two people walking on the lava? "What could go wrong?"
Thank you!I enjoy your news!
Chief officer of Moral walking on the lava. ha ha ha.
Valur needs to find another title for Polly, like "Public contact manager" or "happines coach."
Polly has the ripps - I see you still have idiots standing on the hot lava - You doing a fantastic job reporting about Iceland
A major landslide in La Palma leading to a tsunami is not going to happen with the current eruption. A landslide will only occur if there is sufficient pressure from magma to force the ground to be lifted many metres, as occured several decades ago with Mt. St. Helens. There is currently no evidence of ground uplift in La Palma. So little chance that a landslide leading to a tsunami would be triggered.
Hi Christopher,
Just a polite question.
Are you sure a landslip needs land lift to start it. I think heavy rain with land saturation more likely to start a landslide, not right now but at any point in the future.
You mentioned St Helens, but was that a landslide. I thought it was more that the side of the mountain blew outwards.
@@georgecarroll3470 Heavy rainfall is a common cause of landslides. However the theoretical and unlikely tsunami-causing landslip envisaged in the case of La Palma, where many cubic kilometres of rock slide into the sea causing a dome of water hundreds of metres in height,, would require landlift to be triggered.
@@georgecarroll3470
The landslide started by an earthquake triggered the explosion 💥 of the first blast of the 1980 eruption…
Winter is coming......You should call the people walking on the Lava "Walkers"
i presume you are joking.. as i would not give them idiots the satisfaction of being titled by the good guys.. lol
@@helenamacrae202 Right!
Re La Palma: The mega-tsunami risk has nothing to do with lava hitting the ocean. It has to do with the potential for a large section of the island, which is surrounded by a deep rift, to collapse into the ocean. It would take MUCH stronger seismic activity than this magmatic system is capable of producing to precipitate such a sector collapse.
This collapse in the ocean is not from a single event, but will be the result of many seismic activities. Many activities over time = as 1 strong or big event, with every activity the structure weakens. At some point in time one activity will been proven to be one too many, then the structure fails and collapse in the ocean that generates a tsunami wave. The force of the wave depends on how smooth the slide is and how far the chunk of land separates of its original location.
How can I subscribe to your Grapevine magazine? I look forward to each of your newscasts. Just received my T-shirt. I'll wear it proudly. Best to you and Poly.
Hey Pamela! Thanks for your support
Polly is smart....she avoids walking on the lava.
Sounds like the lava is moving to a new location
The lava field is full of caverns and cracks which might offer some warm places this winter for foxes and small mammals.
Hate to hear about election doubts...I live in the US...enough said. 😒
Amen.
A quick comment regarding the idea of La Palma creating a mega tsunami. The idea was that the whole side of the mountain could fall away and slide into the ocean. This was because there was what appeared to be a fault near the ridge that forms the spine of the island. The is no indication that this fault is anything more than a surface feature.
So no mega-tsunami.
Thanks for adding that Alan - saved me some typing. La Palma is probably pretty stable, however, Hawaii might be one to watch (if you have a few million years and nothing else to do), there are a series of massive slides off of Oahu and Molokai caused by the sides of volcanoes sliding downhill. But I wouldn’t put off a trip to Hawaii because of that!
@@mikerichards6065 Quite. The chance of a mega-tsunami happening in our lifetime is, how can I put this, mega-slight.
@@alanswindells2257 though some days I just think it’d be easier if Norway put us out of our misery and sent another Storegga Slide heading our way!
@@mikerichards6065 That would be, what, a 5 metre tsunami in eastern Scotland, 3 metres in East Anglia?
But what would coastal Lancashire, where I am, get? Less than a metre I would guess because of the narrows between Ireland and Scotland. It might knock some sense into some,I guess.
But then, we might be able to generate our own. Wasn't there some (admittedly rather wild) speculation that a similar event in the southern Irish sea causing massive flooding around the Bristol Channel in the early 17th century?
@@alanswindells2257 well remembered, there was a theory that a submarine earthquake in the SW Approaches caused a tsunami along the Severn in 1607. More recently, it’s been disproved as there were similar floods right around the UK at the same time, so it was probably a storm surge along the lines of the catastrophic North Sea floods that devastated the Netherlands and the East Coast in 1953.
Can’t promise a tsunami of any size coming your way - the closest I can see is the one from the mysterious 1755 Lisbon earthquake (still largely unexplained) which saw a tsunami hit Cornwall where huge boulders where thrown ashore in places like Lamorna. There are also some records from the Dark Ages that suggest an 11th Century tsunami killed large numbers of people in Cornwall. Annoyingly, they were too busy with the woad and wicker men to keep proper scientific records which might say what happened - honestly, some people…
Enjoyed your chat today but you said that democracy is quite new to Iceland. What about Pingvellir where the Althing was founded in 930AD. This is regarded as the oldest form of parliament in the world, I think, and by its very nature, was democratic.
He would be referring to Iceland's modern democracy. It was not fully independent from Denmark until 1944
Yes, we have the longest running parliament in the world of course, but like Henry said, we were of course under the Danish monarchy for hundreds of years before we became free again.
Valur is talking about freedom to govern themselves 😃
Valur,
Re La Palma
9 days ago scientists said the volcano is stabilising or relaxing.
Next day a new vent opened with a fury, and was producing big shock waves.
Since then, another vent opened, and pushed out enough lava to reach the ocean.
Cumbre Vieja is growing in violence, and should not be misunderstood. It has the capability of being a life changing event for many thousands of people.
It is important not to be dismissive about this Volcano.
I first read about this volcano fifty years ago, and it is now proving itself to be a bigger problem than scientists admit to.
Surtsey island in the South?
Yep, Valur was thinking of Surtsey which erupted in 1963 until 1967. The other volcano he mentioned was an eruption on Heimaey in 1973 when a new volcano erupted just outside of the town. The island was evacuated and the lava threatened Iceland’s biggest fishing port. There was a heroic operation by the Icelanders and the US Navy to pump billions of litres of seawater on the advancing lava and they stopped the flow from destroying the town. The lava was diverted into the ocean and it actually formed a new breakwater that protected the harbour.
Eventually people were able to return and the town was rebuilt. Some houses were buried in ash and are being excavated right now as a time capsule into life in early 1970s.
One person died in the eruption (and perhaps some sheep) and I think they were the last person to die in an Icelandic eruption.
If you ever go to Iceland, I recommend taking a trip to over to Heimaey; it’s amazingly beautiful, the volcano museum is great and you can easily climb the new volcano Eldfell and feel the heat just below the surface after nearly 50 years. It is only a few years since the lava cooled below a point where it wasn’t actually hot enough to generate electricity.
The Eldfell eruption is the setting for Yrsa Sigurðadottir’s murder mystery ‘Ashes to Ashes’ which is a great read.
@@mikerichards6065 I know, I went to Heimaey, quite impressive to see the remains of the houses - I've also read the novel of Yrsa ;-)
Valur is brilliant
The problem with La Palma and worse Grand Canaria is that there is huge faults in the sides of the volcano and there is the fear that the eruption could trigger a landslide