Iceland volcano may erupt amid rising flood level

REYKJAVIK — Scientists are closely monitoring an Icelandic volcano as melted glacial ice pouring from its crater may trigger an eruption.

Icelandic Meteorological Office geophysicist Steinunn Jakobsdottir said ice water from the crater of the subglacial Grimsvotn volcano has caused the river Gigja to reach its maximum level. That activity, coupled with about three small earthquakes in a week at the site, could lead to an eruption.

Grimsvotn last erupted in 2004, when flood waters were at similar levels to those observed Wednesday. It lies under the uninhabited Vatnajokull glacier in southeast Iceland.

Scientists said it is unlikely to lead to the air travel chaos caused by ash spewing from the Eyjafjallajokull volcano in April.