A volcano erupted in south-west Iceland on Wednesday, according to the country’s meteorological office, marking the latest in a series of eruptions near the capital region in recent years.
Often referred to as a land of ice and fire, the North Atlantic island nation with its many glaciers and volcanoes has now seen a dozen eruptions since geological systems on its Reykjanes peninsula reactivated in 2021.
No Threat To Reykjavik So Far
The outbreaks, known as fissure eruptions, are characterised by lava flows emerging from long cracks in the earth’s crust, rather than from a central crater.
The Reykjanes eruptions have not so far posed a threat to the capital Reykjavik, nor have they caused significant dispersals of ash into the stratosphere, avoiding air traffic disruption.
The nearby fishing town of Grindavik, home to nearly 4,000 residents before an evacuation order in 2023, however remains mostly deserted due to the periodic threat from lava flows and related eartquakes.
The Blue Lagoon luxury spa and the nearby Svartsengi thermal power station have also been at risk from lava in some of the previous eruptions.
Residents Asked To Monitor Air Quality
Gas pollution from the eruption is spreading northwest towards Vogar and Reykjanesbraut. Residents of Vogar and Reykjanesbær have been advised to keep their windows closed and regularly check air quality updates on the Icelandic Meteorological Office website. Pollution forecasts are also available on the same platform.
According to experts, the fissure measures between 700 and 1000 metres in width and does not seem to be extending further. Lava flow is currently concentrated mostly towards the southeast.
Experts have said the eruptions in the area could recur for decades, or even centuries.
Volcano Tourism
Iceland, which is roughly the size of the US state of Kentucky and has fewer than 400,000 residents, boasts more than 30 active volcanoes.
That makes the north European island a prime destination for volcano tourism – a niche segment that attracts thousands of thrill seekers every year to sites from Mexico and Guatemala, to Sicily, Indonesia and New Zealand.
(With inputs from Reuters)
