Volcanic eruptions follow 'seismic activity' in southwest Icelandic valley
In 2022, three tourists were injured when they tried to hike near the site of the eruption to catch a glimpse of the lava.
Doc LouallenVolcanic eruptions were reported in Iceland Monday about 20 miles from the capital city of Reykjavik, the Icelandic Meteorological Office (IMO) reported, and the eruptions followed a period of seismic activity in the surrounding area.
"This is a much bigger eruption and even ten times bigger than the first eruption and possibly three times bigger than eruption number two," said Magnús Tumi Guðmundsson, a professor of geophysics at the University of Iceland.
Travelers were warned to stay away from the area because of the pollution and anyone inhabiting the area is being urged to leave, said Hjördís Guðmundsdóttir, Communications Director of the Civil Defense in Iceland.
The eruption started at Litla-Hrút, a mountain on the Reykjaness Peninsula shortly before 5 p.m. Monday. Drone footage from Ísak Finnbogason showed lava and smoke emanating from a fissure in the ground on the side of the Fagradalsfjall mountain.
Residents in the Reykjaness Peninsula and even Snæfellsnes are being advised to shut their windows.
President Guðni Th. Jóhannesson wrote a post on the office's Facebook page about the eruption.
"From here in Bessastaður, the eruption can be seen in the distance, and we continue to monitor its progress, like all of you, from a safe distance, Jóhannesson said."
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What is Reykjanes Peninsula
The Reykjanes Peninsula, located towards the southwest of Reykjavik, the capital city of Iceland, is well known for its volcanic and seismic activities. In March 2021, lava fountains in the area erupted from a fissure that stretched between 600 and 800 yards.
Why does Iceland have intense volcanic activity?
Iceland experiences frequent volcanic activity due to its unique geological position. The country is located at the intersection of a spreading plate boundary on the Mid-Atlantic Ocean ridge and a powerful mantle plume creating a hot spot on the surface. These dynamic forces work together to generate large amounts of magma, which fills the gaps in the crust created by the spreading plates. As a result, eruptions occur frequently along the rift zone.