Another volcanic eruption could occur in Iceland in the coming days, according to the Icelandic Meteorological Office.
"It is to be expected that another magma flow can occur in the next few days and there is an increased probability of a volcanic eruption," the IMO said in an update on Sunday.
The Context:
The next eruption would be the fourth on the Reykjanes Peninsula in as many months. Iceland lies on a volcanic hot spot in the North Atlantic and averages an eruption every five years, but the frequency has increased to about one every 12 months since 2021.
What We Know:
The Icelandic Meteorological Office has warned in recent days of a possible eruption after monitoring a buildup of magma—semi-molten rock—below the ground and seismic activity.
A slight earthquake occurred at 4 p.m. local time on Saturday, RUV reported. The IMO told the broadcaster that it was one of the first signs that an eruption was imminent.
In an update on Saturday evening, the office said that depth of the seismic activity did not indicate that magma was making its way to the surface as it is now. "It is therefore less likely that the magma intrusion will lead to an eruption, but it is by no means excluded," the update said.
On Sunday, the IMO said another magma flow could lead to an eruption in the next few days.
"The volume of magma under Svartsengi continues to increase, which could end up with a new magma flow and even an eruption," the update said. "An eruption could start at very short notice, even less than 30 minutes."
The nearby town of Grindavík was being evacuated on Saturday, RÚV reported. Grindavík's residents were previously evacuated in November after strong seismic activity damaged homes and raised fears of an imminent eruption. On December 18, a volcano erupted in the Svartsengi volcanic system, close to the town.
The popular Blue Lagoon geothermal spa also announced on Saturday that it was temporarily closing.
"Due to increased seismic activity in a known area, a few kilometers away from Blue Lagoon, and our unwavering commitment to the safety and wellbeing of our valued guests and staff, we initiated an evacuation of our premises," Blue Lagoon said on its website.
"The situation will be reassessed" after Sunday, the spa said. "We will continue to closely follow the guidelines and recommendations of the authorities, working collaboratively with them to monitor the progression of events."
Views:
Volcanologist Ármann Höskuldsson has said there is no reason to believe anything other than that another volcanic eruption is imminent. Exactly when it will occur is unclear, he said in a recent interview.
What's Next?
The IMO on Sunday said the Norwegian Meteorological Agency is working on a new risk assessment "that will be updated in the next few hours."
Uncommon Knowledge
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
About the writer
Khaleda Rahman is Newsweek's Senior News Reporter based in London, UK. Her focus is reporting on abortion rights, race, education, ... Read more
To read how Newsweek uses AI as a newsroom tool, Click here.
