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This preliminary study aims to investigate a M w 6.3 earthquake that occurred in South Iceland on Thursday 29 May 2008 at 15:45 UTC. The epicentre was in the Olfus District between the towns of Selfoss and Hveragerdi. This study examines the data recorded and the damage observed immediately after the event. Horizontal accelerations of up to 80%g were recorded in the epicentral region and there is visual evidence that the vertical acceleration exceeded 1 g. The PGA data is compared to a ground motion estimation model developed for the South Iceland earthquakes in June 2000. In general the basic properties of this event are found to be similar to the characteristics of the South Iceland earthquakes in June 2000. The duration of strong-motion is short and the intensity attenuates rapidly with increasing distance. The earthquake action resisted by buildings in the near fault area is inspected through evaluation of elastic as well as inelastic response spectra. The vast majority of structures seemed to withstand the strong-motion fairly competently and without significant visual damage due firstly to the low-rise, predominantly reinforced concrete or timber, style of buildings. Secondly, the short duration of strong-motion contributed to the endurance of structures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A case study of the impact factors of stress and relief in the wake of the south Iceland earthquakes in 2000 is presented. By applying axial coding analysis, the isolated concurrent and interplaying sociostructural impact factors were added sequentially to a time axis based on interviews with sufferers, as well as observations and a survey analysis. The data were obtained through a field survey using standardized questionnaires as well as numerous personal in-depth interviews, photographs, and field notes. An exposition of the different phases of the earthquake experience is presented, reflecting the victims' conscious and/or unconscious efforts to bring life back to "normal," though constantly burdened by a perceived lack of understanding of their experiences by "outsiders." The process was characterized by six main stress factors and three noteworthy mitigating factors. The findings are important for vulnerability and risk assessment as well as for planning pre-, pro-, and postearthquake reactions in the affected areas.

Objectives: To test the hypothesis that the unexpectedly low prevalence of winter depression in Iceland is explained by Icelanders enjoying more daylight, during the winter months, than allocated to them by latitude., Methods: A conventional photometer was applied to measure illuminance on a horizontal surface at 64 degrees 8.8' N and 21 degrees 55.8' W every minute throughout the year. The illuminance thus measured was compared with computed illuminance, based on theoretical upper bounds., Results: Daylight availability proved to be, on average, 60% of the theoretical upper bounds derived using clear sky conditions. Snow cover did not, on average, cause a significant increase in daylight availability. Great variability was observed in illuminance from day to day, as well as within days., Conclusions: Average daylight availability does not explain the lower than expected prevalence of winter depression in Iceland. The great variability in illuminance might, however, affect the expression of winter depression, as could daylight quality and genetic factors.

Objectives: Surveys on winter depression in Iceland indicate a significantly lower prevalence rate of winter SAD than expected according to Iceland's latitude. Research into daylight availability in Iceland failed to reveal factors contributing to higher average daylight availability than predicted by latitude. In view of the well-known healing effects of bright light treatment, we propose that properties of daylight other than daylight availability may ease the symptoms of winter depression., Method: We analysed the spectral composition of daylight in Iceland as expressed by its chromaticity and assessed its seasonal and diurnal variations. The colorimetric properties of daylight during the year 1998 are dealt with in detail. Perception of daylight is modelled, applying the chromaticity model of MacLeod and Boynton along with environmental data on spectral irradiance recorded on location at 64 degrees 8.8' N and 21 degrees 55.8' W in Reykjavik, Iceland, and recently published data on cone fundamentals by Stockman and Sharpe., Results: The main finding is that blue hue dominates the colour of the sky, with high correlated colour temperature, without significant seasonal variations. Diurnal variations are, however, observed. Furthermore, significant deviation from 'standard' sky is detected., Conclusions: It is not known whether the observed chromaticity of daylight is a significant factor in explaining the unexpectedly low prevalence rate of seasonal affective disorder in Iceland.