Seismicity related to the magma intrusion that formed suddenly a week ago in Reykjanes Peninsula, Iceland remains high and constant, although the level of activity is substantially lower than from November 10 to 12, 2023.
Seismicity along the 15-km (9.3 miles) long magma intrusion continues, although the size and intensity of the activity is decreasing, the Icelandic Met Office reported at 13:00 UTC on November 13, 2023
A new update from the Icelandic Meteorological Office (IMO) at 18:30 UTC today has raised significant concerns about an imminent volcanic eruption near Grindavík on the Reykjanes Peninsula. The latest data, stemming from a crucial status meeting involving the IMO, the University of Iceland, and the Department of Civil Protection and Emergency Management, points to a substantial risk of volcanic activity in the coming days.
In response to a significant escalation in seismo-volcanic activity on the Reykjanes Peninsula in Iceland, characterized by an exceptional accumulation of magma, the intrusion of a substantial dike, and an intense earthquake swarm, the Icelandic Meteorological Office (IMO) and Civil Defense authorities have implemented critical safety protocols on November 10, 2023. These measures include the mandatory evacuation of Grindavík and the proclamation of a state of emergency
The Icelandic Met Office (IMO) has reported a considerable upsurge in seismic activity on the Reykjanes Peninsula, with over 18 500 earthquakes recorded since the swarm began on October 25, just north of Grindavík.
An exceptionally intense earthquake swarm lasting nearly two hours started at Þorbjörn in Iceland at 08:40 on October 31, 2023. The largest event registered an M3.7, and the activity signaled potential magma movement at depths between 1.5 km and 5 km (0.93 – 3.1 miles).
An episode of complex volcano-tectonic unrest is currently affecting the Reykjanes Peninsula, the Icelandic Met Office (IMO) said on October 29, 2023. It is interpreted to result from multiple deformation sources at depth, which are interacting and affecting a wide area across the peninsula.
An intense earthquake swarm started north of Grindavik and near Fagradalsfjall volcano, Iceland’s Reykjanes Peninsula early on October 25, 2023, prompting the Civil Protection Service to declare an uncertainty phase due to the seismic swarm.
Rapid land elevation near Iceland’s Fagradalsfjall volcano indicated the formation of a new magma chamber, prompting warnings of a potential volcanic eruption on the Reykjanes Peninsula in the weeks or months to come. The Icelandic Meteorological Office urged caution, especially for those planning outdoor activities in the region.
Since its onset at 16:40 UTC on Monday, July 10, 2023, the eruption near Litli-Hrútur mountain on the Reykjanes Peninsula has seen a significant drop in intensity, with fewer and smaller lava fountains now compared to the initial stages.
