Iceland Volcano Eruption Saturday: Iceland’s renowned Blue Lagoon and the nearby town of Grindavik faced evacuation on Saturday following a volcanic eruption in the country’s Reykjanes Peninsula, as reported by Iceland’s public broadcaster RÚV.
This is the forth time since December, the country’s meteorological office said. Once again, the volcanic activity unleashed smoke and bright orange lava into the air, creating a striking contrast against the dark night sky.
Iceland Volcano Eruption: Rapid Lava Flow Threatens Grindavík
Lava was observed flowing swiftly towards the north of the town Grindavík, resembling the eruption that occurred on February 8, according to RÚV citing the Icelandic Met Office. Additionally, reports indicated lava heading towards the Grindavíkurvegur road, the primary route to Grindavik.
According to country civil defence the volcano eruption started at 20:00 local time (20:00 GMT) on Saturday between Hagafell and Stora-Scogfell, situated north of Grindavik.
Extent of Fissure and Activity
“The fissure is about three kilometers long [approximately 1.9 miles], and runs from Stóra-Skógfell towards Hagafell,” stated RÚV. Geophysicist Magnús Tumi Guðmundsson, after a helicopter flight over the site, described the current eruption as the most powerful in the recent sequence of seismic activity. Guðmundsson noted the extensive activity of the fissure, estimating its width at about 3.5 kilometers.
Impending Danger
With the lava flow’s speed, Guðmundsson warned that it wouldn’t be long before it reached and overwhelmed Grindavíkurvegur road.
Pattern of Seismic Activity
Geophysicist Páll Einarsson highlighted the consistent pattern of earthquakes at Grindavík since October, indicating repeated magma flows that occasionally breach the surface. Einarsson noted the previous eruptions’ intensity, describing them as short-lived yet powerful.
Tourist Attractions at Risk
Situated just under an hour’s drive from Reykjavik, the Blue Lagoon is a popular tourist destination. The Reykjanes Peninsula, where the lagoon is located, is not only home to this attraction but also houses Iceland’s main airport, Keflavik International.
Iceland’s Volcanic Dynamics
Iceland, renowned for its active volcanic landscape, features a rift valley dominating the Reykjanes Peninsula, characterized by lava fields and cones. This recent evacuation follows earlier instances in March and November when seismic activity prompted precautions and temporary closures of the Blue Lagoon.
