- Iceland volcano: state of emergency
- Evacuations and seismic activity
- Potential eruption, no imminent danger
For over two weeks, hundreds of minor earthquakes have rattled the region surrounding Mount Thorbjorn on the Reykjanes Peninsula. This seismic activity is attributed to the accumulation of volcanic magma, molten rock, located approximately three miles (5 kilometres) below the surface.
The situation has raised concerns about a potential volcanic eruption, with thousands of aftershocks prompting Iceland to declare a state of emergency.
As a precautionary measure, authorities have mandated the evacuation of thousands of residents from the southeastern town of Grindavik and have closed the nearby Blue Lagoon tourist attraction.
Since the end of October, the land in the region has risen by 9cm (3.5 inches), according to the Icelandic Met Office (IMO).
Scientists are closely monitoring the situation for any signs that the seismic activity may reach the Earth’s surface.
Volcanic activity occurs regularly in the North Atlantic, where Iceland, situated above a hotspot, experiences eruptions approximately every four to five years.
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The most disruptive event in recent history took place in 2010 when the Eyjafjallajokull volcano erupted, emitting massive ash plumes into the atmosphere and leading to widespread airspace closures across Europe.
The Reykjanes Peninsula, a dormant volcanic system on Iceland’s southwestern coast, has witnessed three eruptions since 2021 after remaining inactive for the past 800 years.
The IMO issued a warning indicating “significant changes in seismic activity” and the possibility of magma extending beneath the town of Grindavik, located 53 kilometres (33 miles) from the capital Reykjavik, prompting the evacuation of its residents.
The IMO has stated that it is presently impossible to definitively determine whether or not magma will reach the surface.
Iceland’s civil protection authority also issued evacuation instructions, emphasizing that this was not an immediate evacuation and that residents have ample time to prepare and leave town in a calm manner.
The agency also stressed that the evacuation is primarily a precautionary measure, with no imminent danger at present.
