This morning, the fourth international conference on earthquakes in the North of Iceland began in Húsavík. The conference is a forum for experts in the fields of geology, seismology and engineering. The topics covered range from where earthquakes occur, to why, when and how large they can be, as well as their effects and how far they extend.
At the conference, Icelandic and international scientists will present their research, with a special emphasis on gaining a comprehensive overview of the interaction between earthquakes and society, and on identifying the most promising ways to reduce the risk posed by major earthquakes.
Previous conferences have helped scientists to identify what knowledge is needed and what kind of research needs to be carried out to address this.
Professor Sigurjón Jónsson of King Abdullah University of Science and Technology opened the conference, and Páll Einarsson, Professor Emeritus, subsequently presented an overview of the main earthquake sequences on the Tjörnes Fault Zone since the beginning of recorded history.
The conference runs until midday on Thursday. Events associated with the conference include a family science tour, a guided tour lasting under an hour by geoscientists. A coach tour of the town and its surroundings will be offered at 17:00, and the science tour will last for just under an hour. The event is free of charge, but registration is required. The event is part of STEM Húsavík's work to encourage and increase STEM awareness in the community. Places are limited and registration is required. Children aged 15 and under must be accompanied by an adult.
A careers panel featuring scientists, giving students from Borgarhólsskóli and Húsavík Upper Secondary School the opportunity to learn about careers in the field of geology, seismology and engineering, and the opportunities for employment in this field in their home region.
The final event of the conference is a luncheon open to all, taking place at Fosshótel Húsavík on Thursday, 20th October at 12:00.