HELSINKI, July 23 (Xinhua) -- There is a chance of a magma flow or volcanic eruption on the Reykjanes Peninsula in Iceland in the next two to three weeks, Icelandic radio RUV reported.
The radio quoted meteorological updates published on Tuesday, raising the assessment to "a high risk of an eruption" within the coastal town of Grindavik. In one of the worst-case scenarios, a lava flow could potentially block land escape routes from Grindavik within about six hours of the eruptions.
According to model calculations, magma accumulated underneath the volcano since the last eruption will approach 16 million cubic meters in the coming days.
Experts estimate that 13 million to 19 million cubic meters of magma must be added to the magma chamber before the next magma flow occurs.
The Reykjanes Peninsula is located in the southwestern part of Iceland. It extends south from the capital city, Reykjavik, and is situated at the southern end of the main island of Iceland.
This peninsula features several active volcanoes and geothermal areas. Keflavik International Airport is also located on the Reykjanes Peninsula. It serves as the main international gateway to Iceland. ■