Given the growing likelihood of a major volcanic eruption in Iceland In the coming hours or days, Iceland has declared a state of emergency. Unfortunately, current conditions do not allow authorities to accurately predict the potential eruption location or where magma might emerge. volcano eruption in Iceland it is very close.
Therefore, in this article we are going to tell you what the current situation is regarding the possible volcano eruption in Iceland and what this state of emergency consists of.
Iceland volcano emergency
In recent weeks, the Icelandic Meteorological Office has recorded a series of earthquakes of various magnitudes. This past weekend, November 10-12, 2023, The frequency and intensity of these earthquakes have increased considerably.
The reason for the increase in seismic activity is mainly due to a magma corridor that is relatively shallow and originates in the southwestern part of the country. This corridor crosses an area with more than 2.000 prehistoric craters and advances towards the ocean.
Due to significant seismic activity in the area, the coastal town of Grindavík, located about 40 kilometers southwest of the capital, has been evacuated as a precaution. The ground has experienced a notable movement, which has given rise to a fissure that extends approximately 15 kilometers in length.
Iceland is a country known for its geological activity, with regular occurrences of seismic and volcanic events. The occurrence of earthquakes is the direct result of the collision between the tectonic plates that make up the outermost layer of the Earth. Iceland, located in the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, is located directly above the point where the North American and Eurasian plates diverge. As a result, the country is located in a seismic region and is subject to the movements of these plates.
Furthermore, beneath the surface of the Earth Magma is found that can rise to the surface through thin channels in the planet's crust. These channels, known as hotspots, allow magma to advance exceptionally close to the surface or, in some cases, erupt externally, triggering volcanic activity. You can read more about this phenomenon in our article on the classification of volcanoes.
Iceland is home to many such fissures, which have led to the formation of over 120 volcanoes, including 33 that remain active in Europe to this day. The possibility of a volcanic eruption in the southwest region presents a significant risk.
Events of the last week
In recent weeks there have been numerous earthquakes centered on the Reykjanes Peninsula, located in the southwestern region of the country. These events have caused a significant accumulation of magma below the surface, located about 5 kilometers from the surface.
The fear among experts is that the movement of magma could carry it toward the ocean and come into contact with water. Alternatively, the magma could enter a volcanic channel, triggering an eruption. For more information, see our article on the volcanoes in Iceland.
Located on the Reykjanes Peninsula is the Fagradaslfjall volcano, which has been the site of some of Iceland's most recent volcanic eruptions in 2021, 2022 and now 2023. As such, it is currently an area of high volcanic activity and, according to authorities has shown initial signs of another eruption, similar to those observed before its first volcanic eruption.
Citizen protection services have proposed a rapid evacuation of Grindavík residents. This city is located in the path of the magma flow, so it runs the risk of being annihilated by a potential volcanic eruption.
Very close to this city are the famous Icelandic tourist destinations, the Blue Lagoon and the Svartsengi geothermal plant. The Svartsengi geothermal plant is the main provider of water and electricity for the inhabitants of the peninsula.
What is the reason for issuing an air alert?
In addition to the devastation and flames resulting from the lava flow, volcanic eruptions pose another threat: the release of dangerous smoke and ash. These toxic substances can be launched thousands of meters high into the atmosphere and transported by wind to other regions.
In 2010, the country experienced a volcanic eruption of Eyjafjallajökull. This caused the cancellation of flights throughout European airspace due to poor visibility and to the dangerous effects of volcanic matter on airplane engines. The resulting economic losses for the airlines were significant.
As you can see, the situation with the Icelandic volcano is quite alarming. Scientists are on alert to prevent as much damage as possible. I hope this information helps you learn more about the current situation.
