Ongoing Eruption in Iceland Triggers Seismic Activity
A volcanic eruption that commenced on Monday in Sundhnúksgígar, located on Iceland’s Reykjanes peninsula, continues to spew lava, accompanied by hundreds of earthquakes.
Despite indications of diminishing volcanic activity, the situation remains dynamic, and officials are closely monitoring developments.
Volcanic Activity and Seismic Tremors
The eruption, which initially had five active vents, now shows three vents near the town of Grindavik. “The lava flow is estimated to be about one-quarter of what it was at the beginning of the eruption,” reported the Icelandic Meteorological Office.
The office also noted a significant decrease in seismic activity, with only 10 earthquakes recorded since noon on Tuesday, down from over 320 since the eruption began.
Following the eruption, the land around Svartsengi power station sank approximately 5 centimeters. This change follows a previous rise of about 35 centimeters due to magma accumulation since November 10.
“It is too early to determine if magma will continue to accumulate under Svartsengi and whether the land will start to rise again,” the Meteorological Office stated.
Government and Scientific Response
President Guðni Th. Jóhannesson commented on social media, “We now wait to see what the forces of nature have in store. We are prepared and remain vigilant.” Scientists are analyzing the potential for new vent openings along the original fissure and in nearby areas.
They estimate the lava discharge to be hundreds of cubic meters per second, with the largest lava fountains at the northern end of the fissure.
An eruption has begun near the evacuated town of Grindavík. Our priorities remain to protect lives and infrastructure. Civil Defence has closed off the affected area. We now wait to see what the forces of nature have in store. We are prepared and remain vigilant.
📷 @Vedurstofan pic.twitter.com/yKx4WKU61c— President of Iceland (@PresidentISL) December 19, 2023
This eruption follows heightened seismic activity in the region, with more than 20,000 quakes shaking the area since late October.
In November, officials declared a state of emergency near Mount Fagradalsfjall volcano on the Reykjanes Peninsula, citing a “significant likelihood” of a volcanic eruption.
With information from ABC News
