Last updated on September 2nd, 2024 at 07:37 am
A volcano eruption sent streams of red-hot lava and thick smoke shooting into the air Thursday in southwestern Iceland. This is the sixth outbreak there since December, according to an Icelandic meteorological office.
The meteorological office briefly announced, “An eruption has started. Efforts are currently underway to determine the exact location and scale of the eruption.” This latest event comes after studies had indicated accumulation of magma underground, raising fears of renewed volcanic activity, though the information is still pending.
Located right next to Iceland’s capital, Reykjavik, the Reykjanes Peninsula has become a hotbed of volcanic activity. The most recent eruption in the region concluded on June 22 after 24 days of continuous lava flow. According to scientists, the Reykjanes Peninsula may continue to see eruptions for decades or even centuries.
All in all, the Reykjanes Peninsula has witnessed nine eruptions since the re-awakening of geological systems in 2021 after 800 years of dormancy. In response, Icelandic authorities have moved to construct man-made barriers as a way to deflect lava flows away from critical infrastructure that includes the Svartsengi geothermal power plant, the outdoor spa of Blue Lagoon, and the town of Grindavik.
At the same time, Reykjavik’s Keflavik Airport did not report any disruption of flights, which allowed this crucial Icelandic air transport hub to function without interruption despite the eruption.
Grindavik is a significant fishing town with almost 4,000 residents, but the town is mostly abandoned. Authorities ordered its population to be evacuated late last year as volcanic activity began to increase.
These eruptions at Reykjanes Peninsula are classified as fissure eruptions. They tend to have fewer chances of affecting air travel adversely, as no huge explosion or major dispersion of ash occurs in such an eruption.
Iceland, roughly the size of Kentucky in the United States, has over 30 active volcanoes. This concentration of volcanic activity makes Iceland a hot destination for volcano tourists: people looking for a real-life manifestation of the raw power of nature.
