Since the onset of the seismic swarm in the Reykjanes Peninsula, on July 4, 2023, more than 8 500 earthquakes have been recorded in the area between Fagradalsfjall and Keilir. While seismic activity in this area is decreasing, deformation data strongly suggests that magma is rising toward the surface.
Shortly before midnight on July 6, 2023, a seismic sequence commenced close to Eldey Island on Reykjanes Ridge, approximately 10 km (6.2 miles) southwest off of Reykjanes Peninsula, Iceland. As a result, the Aviation Color Code was raised to Yellow.
More than 4 700 earthquakes have been detected in the area between Fagradalsfjall and Keilir, Reykjanes Peninsula, Iceland since the start of seismic swarm on July 4, 2023. Ground deformation (GPS) observations show significant movements, indicating magma propagation in the region where earthquakes are highly concentrated. Magma intrusion is close enough to the Earth’s surface that a volcanic eruption could occur without further escalations in seismic activity or ground deformation.
The Icelandic Met Office (IMO) issued a special warning due to intense earthquake activity and the increased likelihood of a volcanic eruption on the Reykjanes Peninsula. IMO also warned rockfalls are possible on the Reykjanes Peninsula due to ongoing earthquake activity, particularly close to Lake Kleifarvatn.
A small earthquake swarm started at Katla volcano, beneath the Myrdalsjökull icecap in Iceland, on March 9, 2023. The last confirmed eruption at this volcano took place in 1918 (VEI 4).
Temperatures in Viðidalur, Reykjavík, Iceland dropped to -23 °C (-9 °F) on December 28, 2022, marking the lowest temperature registered in the capital since 1918.
Heavy snow and blizzards affecting Iceland over the past couple of days are causing major flight disruptions and affecting movement to and from the Keflavik International Airport, leaving thousands of travelers stranded.
A large fissure opened up last week in the southern part of Grímsfjall, near Grímsvötn subglacial volcano in Iceland. Pictures show that there’s a lot of hydrothermal activity in this fissure, but there is no eruption at this moment.
Two earthquakes with magnitudes above M3 were detected in Mýrdalsjökull glacier on October 16, sparking discussions about a possible eruption of Katla volcano.
A new glacial flood started at Grímsvötn, a subglacial volcano under Vatnajökull, Iceland, on October 10, 2022, prompting authorities to raise the Aviation Color Code to Yellow and announce the State of Uncertainty.
