Earthquake swarm recorded at Reykjanes Ridge, Iceland

A small earthquake swarm was recorded at Reykjanes Ridge during the early hours of October 14, with several earthquakes occurring near Eldey Island.

The largest earthquake measured M3.0 and occurred at approximately 01:00 local time at a depth of 8.1 km (5 miles), located about 1.8 km (1.1 miles) north-northwest of Eldeyjardrangur.

“This earthquake is a part of a small swarm that was ongoing in the area in the night. Earthquakes are very common in that area,” the Icelandic Met Office noted on October 15.

Several earthquakes were also recorded near Mt Herðubreið, with the largest measuring M2.2.

According to Jóhanna Malen Skúladóttir, a natural hazard expert at the Icelandic Meteorological Office, such seismic activity is a regular occurrence on the tectonic plates of the Reykjanes Ridge.

References:

¹ Reykjanes ridge – earthquakes during the last 48 hours – Icelandic Met Office – Accessed 11:19 UTC on October 15, 2024.

² Series of earthquakes on the Reykjanes Ridge last night – Iceland Monitor – October 14, 2024

Rishav Kothari

Rishav Kothari is Editor-in-Chief of The Watchers, where he runs the newsroom and covers earthquakes, volcanoes, severe weather and space weather.

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