Seismic surge in southwest Iceland raises eruption concerns

HELSINKI, Aug. 19 (Xinhua) — Seismic activity is intensifying daily on the Reykjanes Peninsula in southwest Iceland, raising concerns that an eruption or magma flow could begin at any moment, according to local media reports on Monday.
Seismic activity increased around the Sundhnuks crater near the town of Grindavik on the southern side of the Reykjanes Peninsula over the weekend and continues to rise steadily. About 110 earthquakes were recorded on Sunday, compared to 60-90 per day last week.
Most of the recorded earthquakes were below 1.0 in magnitude, but over the weekend, two earthquakes were measured above 2.0 in magnitude. One of these was the largest recorded since the last eruption.
The seismic activity is now at the same level as it was in the days leading up to the last eruption that began on May 29, according to Iceland’s national broadcaster RUV, citing the country’s National Meteorological Office.
The fissure eruption beginning on May 29 was the fifth eruption in the area since December 2023. It led to the evacuation of the town of Grindavik and the nearby Blue Lagoon resort. The eruption was declared over on June 22.
Since 2021, the Reykjanes Peninsula has experienced a surge in seismic activity, including several volcanic eruptions. ■