The gates of hell open

[Clint45]

The fact that there is such a large fissure is actually a good thing... that relieves a ton of pressure... biggest concern is possible release of toxic fumes.

[O2HeN2]

The fact that there is such a large fissure is actually a good thing... that relieves a ton of pressure... biggest concern is possible release of toxic fumes.

Depends on the size of the magma reservoir and what kind of pressure it's under. Even if the fissure looks large to us, it may be tiny compared to the reservoir.

I'm sure the Icelanders know better but I get a kick out of our [US] talking heads - there's much teeth-gnashing over how many days or weeks this will last... Guys, this could erupt for the next 1000 years for all we know, especially since it's a rift zone* eruption!

O2

* Most of our volcanic experience in recent history is subduction zone and plume eruptions.