Iceland warming up again - quakes swarming

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on the recent seismic activity and potential volcanic eruption in Iceland, particularly around the town of Grindavik. Participants explore the implications of the earthquakes, the status of local infrastructure, and the geological context of the region. The conversation includes updates on seismic data, evacuation measures, and the impact on local attractions and communities.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Experimental/applied

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants express concern about the potential destruction of local attractions like the Blue Lagoon due to lava flows.
  • There are reports of significant seismic activity, with around 1000 earthquakes recorded, indicating magma intrusion near Grindavik.
  • Participants note that the evacuation of Grindavik is precautionary, as authorities respond to the increasing seismic activity.
  • Some suggest that multiple small earthquakes may be preferable to a single large eruption, while others emphasize the danger posed by magma approaching the surface.
  • There is mention of a magma corridor extending from Grindavik into the Atlantic Ocean, with fissures opening up and concerns about SO2 emissions.
  • Participants discuss the geological context of Iceland, including its position on the mid-Atlantic ridge and the implications for volcanic activity.
  • Recent data indicates ground deformation and subsidence in the area, raising concerns about the imminent eruption.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the seriousness of the situation regarding the seismic activity and potential eruption, but multiple competing views remain regarding the implications of the earthquakes and the best course of action. The discussion remains unresolved with ongoing updates and differing interpretations of the data.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include the uncertainty surrounding the exact timing and location of a potential eruption, as well as the varying interpretations of seismic data and geological models. Some assumptions about the behavior of magma and its effects on the surface remain unverified.

  • #61
It's still going. Those cones are getting huge.
 
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Earth sciences news on Phys.org
  • #62
 
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  • #63

Iceland's Eruption Reaches Three Weeks, Only One Vent Active: Geologist Provides Analysis​

 
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  • #64
The cone has been breached. Spectacular images.

 
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  • #65
 
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  • #66
 
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  • #67
Large eruption.



It's live so T minus 3:48:57 is when the smoker appears in two places then camera zooms in a few seconds later.
 
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  • #69
So, the name of the volcano, or volcanic complex is Sundhnúkur.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2023–2024_Sundhnúkur_eruptions
As of 16 March 2024, there have been four eruptions between December 2023 and March 2024, following an intense series of earthquakes. Although localised, the seismic and volcanic activity have caused significant disruption across the western part of the peninsula.

The eruptions were preceded by an intense earthquake swarm in the Eldvörp–Svartsengi volcanic system that began on 24 October 2023, caused by a magmatic intrusion underneath the area.

Now, it seems a monthly occurrence.
 
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  • #71
 
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  • #73
A new volcanic eruption on the Reykjanes peninsula in southwestern Iceland has prompted mass evacuations, authorities say. The eruption began on the Sundhnuksgigarod fissure, spewing hot lava into the air and causing considerable seismic activity. The fissure, initially estimated at 1.4 kilometers, extended to 3.9 kilometers within 40 minutes, according to the Icelandic Meteorological Office. Most of the 4,000 residents of the nearby fishing village of Grindavik had already evacuated last November, and only a few remain overnight due to the frequent eruptions. Despite the volcanic activity, flights to and from Iceland are operating normally, according to Isavia, the national airport service provider.

This is the sixth eruption since December 2023, leading volcanologists to warn of a new era of seismic activity in the region. Iceland sits on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, making it prone to volcanic activity due to the separation of tectonic plate.
https://www.msn.com/en-us/weather/t...n-iceland-prompt-mass-evacuations/vi-AA1piC6V
 
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  • #74
A new volcanic eruption on the Reykjanes peninsula in southwestern Iceland . . .
https://www.ruv.is/english/2025-04-01-eruption-on-the-reykjanes-peninsula-440282
  • A volcanic eruption began just before 9:45 AM.
  • This is the eighth eruption in the Sundhnúkur crater row, and the eleventh since the new eruptive phase began on the Reykjanes peninsula in March 2023.
https://apnews.com/article/iceland-...pa-grindavik-8f3a1fe542d1ef7220b88574f0b6b60b
GRINDAVIK, Iceland (AP) — A volcano in southwestern Iceland that has erupted repeatedly for more than a year again belched lava and smoke into the air on Tuesday, just hours after authorities evacuated the few remaining residents of a nearby fishing village.

The eruption began at 9:45 a.m. local time (0945 GMT), triggering warning sirens in the town of Grindavik where webcams showed molten rock spewing toward the community. It had subsided by late afternoon, though the volcano was still active, Iceland’s Met Office said.

On 2 April, it appears the activity has diminished.
 
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