A volcano eruption took place on the Reykjanes Peninsula in southwest Iceland, once again, marking its sixth outbreak since 2021, according to the country’s meteorological office. As reported by Reuters, this event marks the second explosion in the region this year, adding to the series of volcanic activities in the area.
Live video footage and images went viral which showed orange coloured tall plumes of lava oozing out from a crevice mounting up to the dark sky.
Location of the Volcanic Eruption
Today’s eruption occurred at a distance which is four to five kilometres north of Grindavik, and two to three kilometres west of the Svartsengi power plant. This plant supplies electricity to the people living on the Reykjanes peninsula. Reykjanes peninsula is one of the most densely populated area having a population of 27,829 located in southwest Iceland.
As stated by the Icelandic Meteorological office (IMO), at the break of dawn, around 5:30am, intense seismic activity triggered around northeast of Sylingarfell, consecutively for two times in thirty minutes interval.
A preliminary survey conducted by the Coast Guard further revealed, that the fissure was 3 kilometres long.
Measures adopted to save the people living on the Reykjanes Peninsula
Spokeswoman Hjordis Gudmundsdottir told, that they are trying their best to figure out how much area has the lava flow expanded with the help of helicopters.
Iceland’s Department of Civil Protection and Emergency Management authorities added that they are also trying to ascertain as to what extent the lava can possibly spread and whether it may flow towards the plant.
Iceland’s civil defense agency said that the nearby Blue Lagoon, a geothermal spa which is considered as a popular tourist destination, was evacuated in the morning. Grindavik lies empty today as the inhabitants were evicted from the town during the time of outbreak of the previous volcano. Today, Grindavik’s future is dealing with uncertainty, and unpredictability as to what lies ahead of this.
When did the previous volcanic eruptions occur?
The recent outbreaks arose in August 2022, followed by further explosion in July and December 2023. This marked a significant shift in volcanic activity on the Reykjanes peninsula. Prior to 2021, the peninsula laid dormant for eight centuries, suggesting the beginning of a new era of activity.
The first eruption in this year occurred in the same region near Grindavik, a fishing town on the southern peninsula of Iceland on Jan 14 that lasted for two days. 4000 individuals or residents of Grindavik, were evacuated on November 11, after the series of earthquakes brought substantial damage and destruction to the village.
The Svartsengi power plant is a geothermal power plant located about 4 kilometres north of Grindavik. Since the initial eruption it has been operated remotely in this region. In order to protect it, dykes, have been constructed of approximately 8-10 meters surrounding the entire plant as stated by Gudmundsdottir.
Reason for Iceland’s intense volcanic activity
Most of Europe’s volcanoes occur around Iceland, with the country itself having 33 active volcanoes.
The reason behind this country facing volcanic activities in such huge magnitude is due to its geographical location. These volcanoes erupt in the boundary between Eurasian plate and North American tectonic plates, the place where also the Mid-oceanic ridge is situated.
The Endogenous forces originating in the internal part of the earth result in dynamic geological forces. These results in production of huge amounts of magma leading to frequent eruptions.
What does it mean by new era of activity?
The IMO said, that “there is an increased likelihood of a new magmatic dyke intrusion and ensuing volcanic eruption in the coming days to weeks.”
Authorities have cautioned the citizens of additional eruptions as land persists to rise due to magma accumulating underground.
