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VOLCANIC ERUPTION IS UNDERWAY ON THE REYKJANES PENINSULA

A 4-kilometer-long (2.5 miles) fissure eruption started on the Reykjanes Peninsula on Monday, December 18, at 10:17 PM. This marks the fourth eruption on the Reykjanes Peninsula in three years.
19.12.2023
Picture taken between 4-5 AM on December 19th from the Icelandic Coast Guard's helicopter. Photo: C…
Picture taken between 4-5 AM on December 19th from the Icelandic Coast Guard's helicopter.
Photo: Civil Protection in Iceland

VOLCANIC ERUPTION IS UNDERWAY ON THE REYKJANES PENINSULA

A 4-kilometer-long (2.5 miles) fissure eruption started on the Reykjanes Peninsula on Monday, December 18, at 10:17 PM. This marks the fourth eruption on the Reykjanes Peninsula in three years.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

  • A volcanic eruption started on the Reykjanes Peninsula on December 18th at 10:17 PM.
  • The area had previously been evacuated and the eruption does not pose immediate threat to people.
  • Air traffic to and from Iceland is operating normally.

The Icelandic Meteorological Office had been observing an increase in seismic activity in the area since October 24th, identifying it as a possible precursor to a potential eruption. This seismic activity had already led to the precautionary evacuation of all residents of the nearby town of Grindavík on November 10 to guarantee their safety. The eruption does not pose an immediate threat to people, and no additional evacuations are necessary at this time.

Iceland's international airport in Keflavík (KEF) is functioning normally. All flights are currently operating on schedule. The impact of volcanic eruptions tends to be limited to specific, localized areas near the eruption site. Notably, previous eruptions in the area did not impact air travel to and from the country.

The Icelandic Meteorological Office, the Department of Civil Protection and Emergency Management, and a team of scientists from the University of Iceland diligently monitor the situation and analyze developments.

Iceland is well-acquainted with volcanic activity, having experienced three previous eruptions nearby on the Reykjanes Peninsula in 2021, 2022, and 2023. Icelandic authorities and the public are thoroughly prepared for such events, and the country boasts some of the world's most sophisticated volcanic preparedness protocols. Iceland's geoscientists are extensively experienced in managing volcanic activity.

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