Importance Score: 65 / 100 🔴
Volcanic Eruption Commences on Iceland’s Reykjanes Peninsula
A volcanic eruption has begun on the Reykjanes Peninsula in southwest Iceland, prompting immediate safety measures. The Icelandic Meteorological Office (IMO) reported that the eruption initiated at approximately 09:45 local time (10:45 BST), situated just north of the town of Grindavík. Within an hour, the fissure that opened in the earth had expanded to 700 meters (2296 ft) in width and continued to enlarge.
Rapid Fissure Expansion Following Seismic Activity
The Icelandic Meteorological Office (IMO) indicated that the eruption followed a series of substantial earthquakes in the Sundhnúks Crater Row vicinity around 06:30 local time. Initially, a single crack appeared, but by 11:00 local time, the IMO stated that the original fissure had stretched southward, and a secondary fissure had emerged.
Evacuation Orders and Area Closures
In anticipation of the eruption, both Grindavík and the nearby Blue Lagoon spa, a well-known tourist destination, had already been mandated to evacuate. Routes leading into and out of Grindavík remain inaccessible. However, flight operations are presently unaffected by the volcanic activity.
Concerns for Remaining Residents
Authorities have strongly advised any individuals still present in Grindavík to evacuate immediately. Reports from Icelandic media indicated that a number of people had initially declined to comply with the evacuation directive issued earlier on Tuesday.
Limited Habitation in Evacuated Town
Úlfar Lúðvíksson, the region’s police chief, informed local news outlets that only an estimated 40 residences were occupied by inhabitants. This is due to prior volcanic activity that led to the permanent evacuation of most of Grindavík‘s 4,000 residents in November 2023. This pre-emptive evacuation occurred before subsequent eruptions in December 2023, and January, February, and March 2024.
Magma Tunnel and Gas Pollution Update
The current magma tunnel, which developed beneath the crater series in the area, extends approximately 11 kilometers (6.8 miles). The IMO has identified this as the most extensive magma tunnel measured since November 11, 2023.
Potential Air Quality Impact
According to the IMO, prevailing wind patterns suggest that gas pollution from the ongoing eruption is expected to drift northeast towards the capital region.
Reykjanes Peninsula: A Region of Renewed Volcanic Activity
The Reykjanes Peninsula has experienced multiple eruptions since 2021, marking a resurgence in volcanic activity in the area. The last prolonged period of volcanic eruptions on the peninsula occurred 800 years ago, continuing for several decades.
Iceland’s Volcanic Landscape
Iceland is home to 33 active volcano systems. Its geological positioning on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, the dividing line between two of the planet’s largest tectonic plates, contributes to its frequent volcanic activity.