Emergency declared as record-high magma accumulation and intense earthquake swarm force Grindavík evacuation, Iceland

Emergency declared as record-high magma accumulation and intense earthquake swarm force Grindavík evacuation, Iceland

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

IMO confirms continued inflation, seismic unrest at Mt. Þorbjörn, Iceland

IMO confirms continued inflation, seismic unrest at Mt. Þorbjörn, Iceland

The Icelandic Met Office (IMO) has issued an update on the seismic and volcanic activity at Mt. Þorbjörn on the Reykjanes Peninsula, providing new data on the ongoing seismic unrest that began in late October. The uplift at the GNSS station has seen additional enlargements since the 7 cm rise previously reported over a 10-day period, reflecting continued subterranean pressure changes. The IMO, alongside the Civil Protection Agency, remains on high alert for signs of magma ascent, which could indicate a new phase in the volcanic activity of the area.

Rapid crustal uplift at Mt. Þorbjörn, Iceland

Rapid crustal uplift at Mt. Þorbjörn, Iceland

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.

Exceptionally intense earthquake swarm near Þorbjörn, Iceland

Exceptionally intense earthquake swarm near Þorbjörn, Iceland

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).

Intense earthquake swarm near Fagradalsfjall volcano, Iceland

Intense earthquake swarm near Fagradalsfjall volcano, Iceland

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.

Intense earthquake swarm near Fagradalsfjall eruption site, Iceland

Intense earthquake swarm near Fagradalsfjall eruption site, Iceland

An intense earthquake swarm that started near the Fagradalsfjall eruption site in Reykjanes Peninsula, Iceland on December 21, 2021 — just one day after the eruption was declared officially over — continues with no signs of abating. While no new lava flows have…

Intense earthquake swarm near Fagradalsfjall, Iceland

Intense earthquake swarm near Fagradalsfjall, Iceland

An intense earthquake swarm started near Fagradalsfjall, Reykjanes Peninsula, Iceland at 17:00 UTC on December 21, 2021 — just one day after the official end of the eruption in the area, the longest in the country in more than 50 years. The Aviation Color Code was…

Grímsvötn volcano ready to erupt, Iceland

Grímsvötn volcano ready to erupt, Iceland

According to Benedikt Gunnar Ófeigsson, deformation scientist at the Icelandic Met Office (IMO), there is every indication that the Grímsvötn volcano is ready to erupt. The last eruption of this volcano took place in 2011 — it was a large and…