In response to renewed volcanic activity near Reykjavik, Icelanders are diligently constructing massive dykes, equivalent to three-story buildings, to shield a crucial power plant and residences from potential lava flows. Previously dormant for nearly 800 years, six volcanic systems beneath the Reykjanes peninsula are now anticipated to remain active for up to three centuries, posing a significant threat to the 30,000 residents in the region.
The volcanic network extends beneath the peninsula, reaching the outskirts of the capital, Reykjavik, which has experienced five eruptions since 2021. Fearing an imminent eruption, authorities initiated the construction of defensive structures around the Svartsengi geothermal power plant in November. Utilizing nearly 100 heavy machinery units, workers are tirelessly creating barriers using 560,000 cubic meters of gravel and solidified lava rock, sufficient to fill 20,000 trucks.
The strategy involves redirecting potential lava flows around the barriers, as attempting to halt the lava could result in overflow. Construction efforts have expanded to the town of Grindavik, home to a crucial fishing port and nearly 4,000 residents. Despite successful diversion efforts during the most recent eruption, some houses were affected when new fissures emerged.
The primary barriers are approximately 40 meters wide, eight to ten meters high, and four meters wide at the top. The completion of a seven-kilometer semi-circle around Grindavik is estimated to take six weeks, requiring double the material used at Svartsengi. Similar protective structures have been employed on a smaller scale in Italy, Hawaii, and previous volcanic incidents in Iceland.
Engineers are refining the construction specifications, drawing from past experiences with barriers in Italy and Iceland. The Department for Civil Protection is implementing additional measures, such as burying hot water pipelines deeper, elevating power and telecom lines, and insulating overland pipelines and power cables to shield them from potential lava damage.
Despite the challenges posed by volcanic threats, Icelanders maintain an intricate relationship with volcanoes, recognizing the dual nature of these natural forces as both a source of green geothermal energy and a potential threat to their well-being. Authorities remain vigilant in their efforts to strike a balance between harnessing the benefits and mitigating the risks associated with the volatile geological landscape.
