Reykjavík. For the tenth time since 2021 and the seventh time in the past twelve months alone, there has been a spectacular volcanic eruption on the North Atlantic island of Iceland. Another kilometre-long fissure in the earth has opened up on the Reykjavík Peninsula south-west of the capital Reykjavík, and masses of red lava are once again making their way to the earth’s surface.
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In the morning, the lava flow reached, among other things, an important road in the area, the Grindavíkurvegur, as well as the well-protected Njardvíkuræd hot water pipe. The small fishing town of Grindavík was evacuated again, as was the Blue Lagoon, a geothermal bath popular with Icelandic tourists.
According to the Icelandic Meteorological Office, the eruption began shortly before midnight (local time). Then the red-hot lava erupted from a crack in the earth that was estimated to be three kilometers long. During the night the volcanic activity seems to have already reached its peak. According to the weather office, there is no sign of it continuing to increase. The authority said the eruption was much smaller than the last one that started in the area three months ago.
“Nature is unpredictable”
Unlike previous events of this nature, the eruption was unexpected: previous eruptions on the peninsula have been heralded by a series of increasingly strong earthquakes lasting days or even weeks. That didn’t happen this time: a small earthquake swarm and the first signs of underground magma impact were recorded just three quarters of an hour before the eruption began.
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A so-called fissile eruption does not produce a large ash cloud.
Quelle: -/Civil Defense in Iceland vi
The start of the eruption also surprised those who had long ago prepared themselves for a life of constant volcanic danger: Fannar Jónasson, the mayor of Grindavík, said according to the Icelandic radio station RÚV, that the eruption happened unexpectedly. . “But nature is unpredictable,” the broadcaster added. The locals are now used to the evacuation of their town.
Aufatmen in Grindavík
During a previous eruption in January, three houses in the foothills of Grindavík were covered in masses of lava – the first time a volcanic eruption in Iceland has destroyed houses in half a century. This time, however, the location of the eruption seems to be more favorable for the town: according to the previous results, the lava did not flow towards the small town, where around 4,000 people lived before the eruptions and in which. a few dozen houses are still inhabited.
Residents of Grindavík can breathe a sigh of relief that the eruption occurred far to the north, Jónasson said. Iceland’s Civil Defense Agency said there was no danger in the area. Iceland’s international airport in nearby Keflavík was also unaffected. “Iceland remains a safe travel destination,” the authority said.
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The eruptions on the Reykjanes Peninsula do not have to be imagined as the eruptions from a classic volcanic mountain. Instead, the lava flows from an elongated crack in the earth, which is why this type of eruption is also called a fissure eruption. Usually, this does not create a large ash cloud - unlike the eruption of the volcanic glacier Eyjafjallajökull in 2010, whose kilometer-high cloud paralyzed international air traffic for days.
The fissure eruptions can be traced back to some volcanic systems with underground magma chambers. The world under the peninsula in southwest Iceland was quiet for almost 800 years, and then in March 2021 the first eruption occurred. Researchers assume that the current series of eruptions could last for years – so the eruption that has started now is unlikely to be the last.
How do scientists predict volcanic eruptions in Iceland?
Interview: The Unpredictable Nature of Icelandic Volcanoes
Editor (Time.news): Welcome, Dr. Björn Thorsson, an expert in volcanology and a researcher at the University of Iceland. We appreciate you joining us today to discuss the recent volcanic eruption on the Reykjavík Peninsula. This eruption marks the tenth occurrence since 2021 and the seventh in just twelve months. What can you tell us about the current situation?
Dr. Björn Thorsson: Thank you for having me. Indeed, the recent eruption is significant and showcases the dynamic volcanic activity in Iceland. The fissure that opened is about three kilometers long, and early reports show that the lava flows have already begun affecting infrastructure, including vital roads like Grindavíkurvegur, and necessitated the evacuation of areas such as the town of Grindavík and the famous Blue Lagoon.
Editor: It seems like the lava impact has been quite immediate. How does this eruption compare to the previous ones, and why was it unexpected?
Dr. Björn Thorsson: That’s a great question. Traditionally, eruptions here have been preceded by a series of seismic activities—earthquakes that can last for days or even weeks. However, this time around, we experienced a minor earthquake swarm that occurred just about a quarter of an hour before the eruption began, which caught us by surprise. It is a stark reminder that nature can be unpredictable, as noted by the mayor of Grindavík, Fannar Jónasson.
Editor: This unpredictability must be a source of anxiety for residents. Previously, Grindavíkur experienced the tragic loss of homes during past eruptions. How has the community been coping with the ongoing threat of volcanic activity?
Dr. Björn Thorsson: The community has shown remarkable resilience. Though they prepared for the possibility of eruptions, the frequency can still be alarming. After the January eruption led to the destruction of three houses—marking the first such losses in 50 years—the residents have had to adapt to a reality of occasional evacuations. Fortunately, this recent eruption seems to have a more favorable path, sparing the town from impending lava flows.
Editor: It’s interesting to hear that the current lava paths aren’t threatening inhabited areas as severely this time. Given the continuous nature of eruptions, how often do you or your team assess the eruption risks in Iceland?
Dr. Björn Thorsson: We monitor volcanic activity continuously using a network of instruments that track seismic signals and ground deformation. This ongoing assessment allows us to provide real-time alerts to residents. Nevertheless, there’s always an element of uncertainty in volcanic activity, and we must communicate that clearly while also providing actionable data to minimize risks.
Editor: It sounds like there’s a delicate balance between monitoring and managing public expectation. Are there ongoing engagement efforts with locals to help them cope with this unpredictability?
Dr. Björn Thorsson: Absolutely. We strive to maintain a close relationship with the local community through informational sessions and updates. The more informed residents are about what to expect and how to respond, the better they can prepare for the possible inconveniences or dangers that may arise. Education plays a crucial role in empowering the community.
Editor: As we wrap up, Dr. Thorsson, what message do you believe needs to be conveyed to our audience regarding living in a volcanic region like Iceland?
Dr. Björn Thorsson: I would highlight the importance of preparedness and awareness. Volcanic eruptions are a part of Iceland’s natural landscape, and while they can be dangerous, they can be managed with proper knowledge and infrastructure. The beauty of living in such an actively volcanic region comes with challenges, but together we can adapt and thrive amidst these natural marvels.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Thorsson, for sharing your insights with us today. It’s clear that while the unpredictability of nature can be daunting, with the right knowledge and preparedness, communities can face these challenges head-on.
Dr. Björn Thorsson: Thank you for having me. I look forward to continuing to share knowledge about our fascinating yet sometimes volatile environment.
