No visible eruption at Iceland’s Sundhnúksgígar, lava flow possible in channels

The eruption site at Sundhnúksgígar, Reykjanes, Iceland, showed no active lava flow on December 21, 2023, with signs of diminishing activity and a decrease in seismic events.

The Icelandic Meteorological Office (IMO) reported at 12:55 UTC on December 21, 2023, that there is no visible eruptive activity at the Sundhnúksgígar site in Reykjanes, Iceland. Scientists flying over the eruption site confirmed that lava flow from the craters seems to have ceased, with glowing still visible in the lava field, likely within closed channels.

The activity appears to have diminished late last night or very early this morning. However, it is still possible that lava is flowing in closed channels, so it is premature to declare the eruption over.

Over the past 24 hours, approximately 70 minor earthquakes were recorded over the magma conduits. The largest quakes measured 1.4 and 1.9 in magnitude.

Deformation measurements in the area show little movement, but further observations will clarify the situation. Gas dispersion from the degassing lava field will be southeastward today, shifting southwest tomorrow with the wind change.

The eruption near Grindavík began on December 18, 2023, following an intense earthquake swarm. The continuation of this eruption remains uncertain, but IMO scientists are closely monitoring the area and assessing the latest data.

References:

¹ No visible eruptive activity – IMO – December 21, 2023

Featured image credit: IMO. Acquired on December 21, 2023