Iceland’s Reykjanes Peninsula has seen a series of volcanic eruptions since 2021. Geological systems woke up after 800 years of sleep.
Experts say the region south of the capital Reykjavik, home to 30,000 people, could experience so-called fissure eruptions repeatedly over several centuries.
The last eruption occurred between the peaks of Hagafell and Stora Skogfell on March 16, 2024. The previous one was there. The column of smoke rose to a height of three kilometers. In addition, molten rock and lava flowed from the crack.
Residents of the nearby fishing town of Grindavik, who had only recently returned from a previous evacuation, have left again. The luxurious Blue Lagoon geothermal spa has also closed its doors.
The previous eruption on February 8, 2024 lasted about a day: lava erupted to a height of 80 meters from a three-kilometer-long fissure.
Its flows damaged pipelines. As a result, many houses were left without heating in sub-zero winter temperatures. The Blue Lagoon closed after lava flooded the road.
Before this, there was a two-day eruption in January. The lava flow reached the outskirts of Grindavik, home to almost 4,000 residents, and set three houses on fire.
And even earlier, in December, an eruption occurred on the Svartsengi volcanic system. Lava and smoke spread over a wide area after weeks of intense seismic activity. A crack in the ground about four kilometers long also stretched towards Grindavik.
