Expert warns of potential volcanic eruption in Iceland

A warning has been issued by Kristin Jonsdottir, the head of the volcanic activity department at the Icelandic Meteorological Office, regarding the current seismic activity in the Reykjanes Peninsula region in southwest Iceland.

The frequency and intensity of earthquakes are gradually decreasing, along with the rate of land deformation, as time goes on.

Jonsdottir reported at a press briefing on Saturday that “We measure fewer and smaller earthquakes as time goes on,” as reported by RUV, Iceland’s national broadcaster.

Although the magma intrusion continues to deepen and widen, the process is notably slower than in previous days. This diminishing activity indicates that there is a possibility of an eruption, similar to what occurred prior to the 2021 volcanic activity.

Jonsdottir stated, “While model calculations still indicate ongoing magma flows into the intrusion, it must be considered probable that an eruption will occur.”

Data analysis indicates that the most significant widening is occurring in the middle of the intrusion, specifically in the area west of Hagafell. This location is identified as the most likely site for a potential eruption, although Jonsdottir emphasizes that eruptions could happen anywhere along the intrusion.

She also mentioned that the precise location of the magma source is crucial for predicting potential lava flows. If the source is indeed in the middle, west of Hagafell, lava could flow towards the town of Grindavik, as well as to the north and west.

Grindavik, a town on the Reykjanes Peninsula with approximately 4,000 residents, was evacuated last Saturday. Civil Defense declared a Level of Danger in the area.

According to the Icelandic Meteorological Office, a magma corridor lies beneath the town of Grindavik, and a fissure could open anywhere in that magma corridor.

The mayor of Grindavik, Fannar Jonasson, stated that some 1,200 households in the town need more permanent shelter.

Vidir Reynisson, director of Iceland’s Civil Defence, mentioned that there is a design for a defense wall that could protect Grindavik from lava flow. “That is part of what we are considering.”