A Majestic Scene of a Volcanic Eruption in Iceland
The Icelandic Meteorological Office reported that a volcano erupted late yesterday evening, Wednesday, on the Reykjanes Peninsula near the country’s capital. This marks the seventh eruption in one year and the tenth in three years.
The volcano spewed fountains of lava and smoke without causing any disruption to air traffic or infrastructure. The glowing hot lava, in hues of yellow and orange, soared into the sky, creating a mesmerizing scene.
Iceland, home to about 400,000 people, lies on the rift between the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates, making it a seismic hotspot with geysers, hot springs, and dozens of volcanoes.
The Meteorological Office stated that the first signs of the eruption were recorded just 45 minutes before the opening of a massive fissure, now estimated to be about 3 kilometers long.
Authorities had earlier warned of volcanic activity due to the buildup of molten rock beneath the Reykjanes Peninsula, approximately 30 kilometers southwest of Reykjavik, where the most recent eruption ended on September 6.
The Meteorological Office also noted that no significant increase in seismic activity had been observed in recent weeks.
Volcanic eruptions on the Reykjanes Peninsula, known as “fissure eruptions,” have not directly affected the capital or caused widespread ash dispersal in the stratosphere, thus avoiding air traffic disruption.
The nearby fishing town of Grindavík, which housed about 4,000 residents before an evacuation order last December, remains largely deserted due to the recurring threat of lava flows.
Although there are no signs of lava flowing towards the town, around 50 homes occupied by returnees have been evacuated, according to a statement from the Civil Protection Agency.
Dormant for 800 years in this region, the geological systems became active again in 2021. Since then, eruptions have occurred with increasing frequency, and experts warn that Reykjavik may face regular volcanic eruptions for decades or even centuries.
