Iceland is currently witnessing another volcanic eruption in its southwest peninsula.
According to the Icelandic Meteorological Office, a fissure has opened up between the Fagradalsfjall and Keilir mountains, approximately 37 miles from the capital city and just 30 minutes away from an international airport.
The eruption began at 4:40 p.m. local time on Monday, as stated by the meteorological office. They described it as “minor” and “small.” The lava-emitting fissure is estimated to be around 200 meters in length. The office also mentioned that the lava is flowing out in the form of fountains.
However, as of Monday evening, the office confirmed that there is no ash emission into the atmosphere. The eruption is taking place in an uninhabited area, thus posing no immediate risks to the nearby communities or infrastructure.
The office issued a warning to the public, advising against visiting the eruption site due to the uncertainty surrounding its development. The office also highlighted the dangerous accumulation of volcanic gases near the eruption area. Further updates regarding the eruption will be provided by the Icelandic Meteorological Office in the upcoming days.
Volcanic eruptions are not uncommon in Iceland, which is home to approximately 130 volcanoes. Although Fagradalsfjall is not known for being highly active, it has experienced several eruptions in recent years.
“For the third time in 3 years, Earth erupts in Reykjanes,” tweeted Guðni Th. Jóhannesson, the President of Iceland. He referred to the volcano’s location on the Reykjanes peninsula. However, he assured that there is currently no threat to infrastructure. Nevertheless, the Civil Defence has temporarily closed off a large danger zone due to volcanic gases.
Fagradalsfjall previously erupted in early 2022, following an unusual eruption in 2021.
The meteorological office has reported a “seismic swarm” in the peninsula since July 4th. Over 7,000 earthquakes have been recorded between Fagradalsfjall and Keilir since then, with the largest measuring a magnitude of 4.8 on July 5th. The increased activity is attributed to a new intrusion of a dike in the area.
Prior to the latest eruption, scientists from the Icelandic Meteorological Office observed escalating levels of tremor at Fagradalsfjall in the two preceding days and hours.
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