Iceland’s Volcanic Eruption Expands as Lava Flows from Second Fissure

#Climate
Iceland’s Volcanic Eruption Expands as Lava Flows from Second Fissure

Loveworld / 12 mins

August 26, 2024

2 min read

New Fissure Emerges in Iceland’s Reykjanes Peninsula Amid Ongoing Volcanic Eruption
Icelandic authorities have reported a significant development in the ongoing volcanic activity on the Reykjanes Peninsula. A second fissure has opened up following the latest eruption, marking the sixth eruption in the region since December 2023.
Key Updates:

Eruption Details: The latest volcanic eruption began on Thursday night at 9:26 PM (2126 GMT). The Icelandic Meteorological Office (IMO) confirmed that a new fissure, extending 3.9 kilometers (2.4 miles), has opened up. Lava has been visibly erupting from this fissure.
Second Fissure: On Friday morning, the IMO reported that a second fissure had formed to the north of the initial one. However, the primary volcanic activity continues to be concentrated around the original fissure.
Seismic Activity: Shortly after the eruption started, a 4.1 magnitude earthquake was recorded, reflecting heightened seismic activity in the area.

Impact on Local Communities:

Evacuation Measures: The nearby fishing village of Grindavik has been evacuated as a precaution. Ulfar Ludviksson, chief of police for the Sudurnes region, confirmed that the evacuation has been effectively managed. Although the village has about 4,000 residents, only a few houses remain occupied.
Current Lava Flow: The IMO has reassured that lava is not currently threatening Grindavik, reducing immediate risks to the village.

Precautionary Actions:

Blue Lagoon Closure: Iceland’s famous Blue Lagoon thermal spa has temporarily closed its facilities and evacuated its operations as a precautionary measure.

Historical Context:
This recent eruption is part of a series of volcanic events in the Reykjanes Peninsula, which had not seen such activity for over eight centuries until March 2021. The peninsula has since experienced additional eruptions in August 2022 and July and December 2023, suggesting a new pattern of volcanic activity in the region.
Geological Significance:
Iceland’s position on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, where the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates meet, contributes to its frequent volcanic and seismic events. The country is home to 33 active volcanic systems, making it one of the most geologically dynamic regions in Europe.