Seismic activity detected near Lake Grjótárvatn in Iceland linked to Ljósufjöll volcanic system

Seismic activity near Lake Grjótárvatn, located north of Borgarnes, has been detected over the past few days, linked to the Ljósufjöll volcanic system. Experts indicate that there is no current indication of magma accumulation, and the seismic events are likely due to a release of tectonic stress.

Since Saturday, fourteen earthquakes exceeding magnitude 1.0 have been recorded. The largest tremor, measuring 2.6, occurred yesterday afternoon. Geologist Jóhanna Malen Skúladóttir from the Icelandic Meteorological Office noted that these seismic activities are not accompanied by ground deformation or land uplift. It’s notable that prior to the volcanic eruptions on the Reykjanes Peninsula in 2021, seismic activity in this area was minimal. However, since then, earthquakes have become relatively frequent.

The Ljósufjöll volcanic system has shown activity over the past 10,000 years, characterized by small to moderate lava flows following the last Ice Age, with notable eruptions at sites like Eldborg in Hnappadal and Grábrók near Bifröst. Research indicates that Ljósufjöll has erupted 23 times during the Holocene, primarily in areas such as Hnappadal and Hítardal, with the easternmost flow being Grábrókarhraun and the westernmost marked by Berserkjahraun in Helgafellssveit.

The Icelandic Meteorological Office is closely monitoring the situation as developments continue.