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Minor Volcanic Eruption In Reykjanes Peninsula Recorded
Photo credit: Icelandic Met Officie
A minor volcanic eruption commenced, 10 July, near Litli Hrútur on the Reykjanes Peninsula, situated between Fagradalsfjall and Keilir mountains. The eruption, though small in scale, has not resulted in any ash emissions into the atmosphere thus far. Initial assessments reveal the presence of a 200-meter-long fissure, oriented approximately northeast-southwest, on the eastern and northeastern slopes of Litli Hrútur, from which lava is actively flowing as a series of fountains.
At present, the eruption is confined within a small depression, with the lava predominantly flowing towards the south. Concurrently, gas and steam emissions are drifting northwestward. As the eruption site is located in an uninhabited region, there are no immediate risks posed to local communities or infrastructure. It is crucial for the public to note that the evolving situation remains uncertain, and therefore, visiting the eruption area is strongly discouraged. The immediate vicinity of the eruption is likely to accumulate dangerously high levels of volcanic gases.
The Icelandic Meteorological Office (IMO) will continue to provide regular updates in the coming days, shedding light on the progression of the eruption. It is essential to stay informed through the official channels for the latest information regarding this volcanic activity.
The onset of the eruption was preceded by heightened levels of tremors recorded at a seismic station located at Fagradalsfjall. These tremor episodes were observed on 8 and 9 July, as well as today, in the hours leading up to the eruption. Similar seismic patterns were noted before previous eruptions on the Reykjanes Peninsula in both 2021 and 2022.
For more comprehensive details regarding volcanic activity in the area, interested individuals are encouraged to consult the Catalogue of Icelandic Volcanoes.
As the situation continues to unfold, authorities and scientists will closely monitor the eruption's development to ensure the safety and well-being of the local population.
At present, the eruption is confined within a small depression, with the lava predominantly flowing towards the south. Concurrently, gas and steam emissions are drifting northwestward. As the eruption site is located in an uninhabited region, there are no immediate risks posed to local communities or infrastructure. It is crucial for the public to note that the evolving situation remains uncertain, and therefore, visiting the eruption area is strongly discouraged. The immediate vicinity of the eruption is likely to accumulate dangerously high levels of volcanic gases.
The Icelandic Meteorological Office (IMO) will continue to provide regular updates in the coming days, shedding light on the progression of the eruption. It is essential to stay informed through the official channels for the latest information regarding this volcanic activity.
The onset of the eruption was preceded by heightened levels of tremors recorded at a seismic station located at Fagradalsfjall. These tremor episodes were observed on 8 and 9 July, as well as today, in the hours leading up to the eruption. Similar seismic patterns were noted before previous eruptions on the Reykjanes Peninsula in both 2021 and 2022.
For more comprehensive details regarding volcanic activity in the area, interested individuals are encouraged to consult the Catalogue of Icelandic Volcanoes.
As the situation continues to unfold, authorities and scientists will closely monitor the eruption's development to ensure the safety and well-being of the local population.
Jul 11, 2023
