The eruption that started on November 20, 2024, at the Sundhnúks crater row near Grindavik, Reykjanes Penisula, Iceland is now the second largest in the volume of the eruptions that have occurred in the Sundhnúks crater row since December 2023.
Eruptive activity near Grindavik, Iceland, remains steady on November 28, 2024, with the eruption continuing from a single vent and lava flowing east and southeast. Gas pollution caused by northeast winds at 35 – 55 km/h (20 – 35 mph) was moving toward Grindavík today and was forecast to spread to nearby areas as the weather patterns change.
The levels of sulfur dioxide (SO2) are rising in the vicinity of Grindavik due to the ongoing volcanic eruption on the Reykjanes Peninsula, Iceland. The gas pollution has reached unhealthy levels, as reported by the Icelandic Meteorological Office (IMO).
Authorities in Iceland have deployed at least 12 water cannons on the L3 defense wall to cool a 360 m (X feet) large section of lava and protect critical infrastructure, including the Svartsengi geothermal facility and the Njarðvíkuraeð hot water pipeline, which is important for the Suðurnesj region. Initial testing on one pump was successful, and the operation will begin with six eastern cannons, followed by the remaining units. The cooling process is expected to take several days.
Lava from a nearby volcanic flow consumed the entire parking lot of Blue Lagoon geothermal spa resort in Grindavik, Iceland, at 14:00 local time on November 21, 2024.
A new volcanic fissure opened up between Stóra-Skógfell and Sýlingarfell, near the town of Grindavík, Iceland’s Reykjanes Peninsula, at 23:14 local time (LT) on Wednesday, November 20, 2024. This marked the year’s seventh eruption in this region.
With the end of October, uplift and magma accumulation continued steadily in Iceland’s Svartsengi volcanic region, increasing the likelihood of an intrusion or possible eruption toward late November. Seismic activity near the Sundhnúkar crater remains low, with only minor daily tremors recorded.
The Svartsengi volcanic system in southwest Iceland is showing increased volcanic activity due to magma accumulation beneath the surface. Magma is moving into shallow chambers, causing ground uplift and seismic activity. In recent days, seismic activity has slightly increased, with around five minor daily earthquakes along the dike, the most prominent being M1.5, indicating growing pressure.
Askja volcano in Iceland remains under close watch as scientists record a 12 cm (4.7 inches) uplift over the past year. The ongoing monitoring efforts have identified significant magma accumulation at a depth of 3 km (1.9 miles), yet there is no immediate threat of eruption. The last eruption at this volcano took place in 1961 (VEI 2).
Sulfur dioxide (SO2) emissions produced by the new eruption in Reykjanes Peninsula, Iceland have reached Europe. The forecast and measured SO2 concentrations are currently below the recommended exposure threshold with no major impact on air quality and health.
