Dramatic footage captures the awe-inspiring collapse of Earth’s newest volcano, as it spews out molten lava and creates a spectacle of fiery explosions. This volcano was born less than two weeks ago when an underground eruption formed a 1.7-mile-long fissure in Iceland’s Reykjanes peninsula, located southwest of Reykjavík.
Before the eruption, the region experienced a flurry of seismic activity, with 7,000 earthquakes recorded. While the tectonic activity temporarily slowed down, it intensified again three days ago, leading to a significant shift in the vent activity overnight, according to researchers from the University of Iceland.
In a Facebook post, the university’s Laboratory of Volcanology and Natural Hazards described how the crater quickly filled with lava, causing fountains of lava to erupt beyond the crater rims. The volcano, situated on Mount Fagradalsfjall, began erupting on Monday following the heightened seismic activity in the area. It is located around 20 miles from Keflavik Airport.
The volcanic activity escalated when a small rupture formed and allowed the lava to spill over the crater, ultimately leading to the collapse of a section of the rim. This collapse unleashed a river of lava towards the north and west of the volcano. There were concerns about the safety of individuals in the vicinity, as two people were present just before the crater collapsed. If they had stayed an hour longer, they may not have escaped in time.
The immediate vicinity of the volcano is uninhabited, so there is no widespread risk to the public. However, residents on the nearby Reykjanes peninsula were advised to remain indoors and keep their windows closed due to the potential release of toxic gas. The eruption is classified as a fissure eruption, typically not resulting in significant explosions or the expulsion of large amounts of ash into the stratosphere, according to the Icelandic government.
Scientists have measured the temperature of the lava seeping from the crater to be around 2,192°F (1,200°C). The Laboratory of Volcanology and Natural Hazards will continue to monitor the behavior of the volcano, as there are concerns about potential wildfires and decreased air quality resulting from further lava flows. The area was temporarily restricted due to toxic gas pollution, and hikers were advised to avoid the site.
Although the Fagradalsfjall volcano has erupted twice in the past two years without causing damage or disruptions to flights, officials continue to closely monitor the situation, considering its proximity to Keflavik Airport. Iceland, known for its position above a volcanic hotspot in the North Atlantic, experiences eruptions approximately every four to five years. The most notable recent eruption was the Eyjafjallajokull volcano in 2010, which led to widespread airspace closures over Europe due to the release of large quantities of ash.
While there is currently no foolproof method of predicting volcanic eruptions, researchers utilize various indicators to forecast volcanic activity. These indicators include volcanic infrasound, seismic activity, gas emissions, and ground deformation. Monitoring these factors helps scientists assess the likelihood of an eruption and take necessary precautions.
A livestream of the volcano can be accessed through the Icelandic National Broadcasting Service’s website.
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