Bad weather disrupts seismic monitoring, magma volume at Svartsengi increasing, Iceland

Bad weather disrupts seismic monitoring, magma volume at Svartsengi increasing, Iceland

Unfavorable weather conditions have disrupted the earthquake monitoring system on Reykjanes Peninsula by dampening small events, resulting in a lower number of detected earthquakes since Saturday, March 2, 2024. Nevertheless, the volume of magma beneath Svartsengi continues to increase, which could result in a new dike intrusion and possibly an eruption with very short notice.

Magma volume rising, increased likelihood of eruption on Reykjanes Peninsula, Iceland

Magma volume rising, increased likelihood of eruption on Reykjanes Peninsula, Iceland

Magma volume beneath Svartsengi, Reykjanes Peninsula, Iceland continues to increase, which could result in a new dike propagation and/or volcanic eruption in the coming days, the Icelandic Met Office (IMO) reported at 14:00 UTC on March 5, 2024. Weather conditions over the next few days could affect IMO’s monitoring system.

Magma volume under Svartsengi approaches eruption threshold, Iceland

Magma volume under Svartsengi approaches eruption threshold, Iceland

Updated modeling shows Svartsengi’s magma volume reached 7.6 million m³ (268.3 million ft³) on February 26, 2024, and is now near or at the eruption threshold. With seismic activity increasing, particularly east of Sýlingarfell, the Norwegian Meteorological Agency has raised risk assessments, marking the Sundhnjúka crater series at high risk and adjusting other zones accordingly.

Iceland builds massive dykes to shield against volcanic lava flows

Iceland builds massive dykes to shield against volcanic lava flows

Icelanders build massive dykes to protect against lava flows from reactivated volcanoes near Reykjavik. The six volcanic systems, active for the first time in nearly 800 years, pose a significant threat to the Reykjanes peninsula, prompting around-the-clock construction efforts to safeguard homes and a crucial power plant.

University of Iceland professor warns of lava flow proximity to Reykjavík

University of Iceland professor warns of lava flow proximity to Reykjavík

Þorvaldur Þórðarson, a volcanology professor at the University of Iceland, suggests that recent earthquakes in the Reykjanes Peninsula could indicate magma accumulation under Húsfellsbruna, raising concerns about potential lava flows near Reykjavík.