Deanne Bird
An investigation of jokulhlaup hazard and risk along the Markarfljot River, South Iceland.
Jokulhlaup floods are the most devastating primary hazard from volcanic eruptions in Iceland. Katla, the underlying volcano of Myrdalsjokull glacier in south Iceland, is renowned as the most hazardous due to heavy fall out from tephra and catastrophic jokulhlaup. The last known jokulhlaup along the Markarfljot River, west of Myrdalsjokull, south Iceland, is dated ~1200 B.P. This region has become a popular destination for local and international tourists, and is an important agricultural community. The aim of my research is to (1) assess human life and infrastructure vulnerability along the Markarfljot River and (2) investigate the perception of jokulhlaup hazard and risk along the Markarfljot River. The output from this research is intended to provide a preliminary tool for emergency managers for jokulhlaup education and mitigation in Iceland.
Photo Deanne Bird