Several earthquakes reported in Reykjanes Peninsula following eruption in Iceland

Several earthquakes have occurred in the Reykjanes Peninsula following an eruption that began yesterday, with a reported eruption seam extending approximately seven kilometers. Kristín Jónsdóttir, head of the volcanology, seismic, and geological department at the Icelandic Met Office, noted that the current eruption’s location is advantageous concerning infrastructure, similar to previous eruptions but situated further north along the magma pathway.

This recent eruption is taking place at the northernmost section of the magma intrusion that began forming on November 10. Consequently, the terrain slope prevents lava flow from moving southward. In response to concerns about the potential opening of more fissures, Kristín stated, “There is always significant uncertainty during the first 24 hours.” It is during this initial period that the lava’s spread is greatest before it decreases rapidly, isolating itself around certain craters and allowing the lava layer to thicken.

The eruption fissure had reached about four kilometers in length as of last night and shifted northward as activity decreased at the southern end. Currently, the active flow is confined to approximately two kilometers of this fissure.

Kristín described the eruption as favorable in terms of infrastructure since models indicate that lava is expected to flow northwest, thus alleviating pressure on protective barriers. Despite this positive assessment, the situation remains tentative, and scientists are continuing to analyze the data to better predict future lava flow patterns.