Welcome to Rumbling Reykjanes

If you've been following the news at all then you'll probably already know that the Reykjanes peninsula has recently been experiencing significant volcanic activity. Over the last few years there have been several volcanic eruptions and also what's known as magma intrusions, where molten rock flows beneath the ground but cools and solidifies before it has chance to burst through the surface of the earth's crust.

The movement of magma like this can also cause huge earthquake swarms. Fortunately on Reykjanes these earthquakes have been relatively minor, causing no injuries. Although, the houses nearest to the earthquake epicentres have sustained some damage, and as tectonic activity has progressed, we have seen cracks open up in the ground in the harbour town of Grindavik. This has lead to evacuations and closure of the town. The eruptions have typically been small-scale lava flows with no explosive activity, making them the kind of natural phenomenon that many people are excited to witness first-hand.

Is it safe to visit Reykjanes due to the volcanic and seismic activity there?

Understandably, many people wonder whether it's safe to visit areas like the Reykjanes peninsula, where so many volcanic eruptions and earthquakes occur. The short answer is YES. Over the following weeks, we plan to publish several articles that will address this question and the wider context of the eruptions in more detail. We'll be taking a deep dive into what accounts for the high volcanic activity on the Reykjanes peninsula, how the monitoring and response systems here operate, and the ways earthquakes and volcanoes impact both visitors and residents.

The Land of Fire and Ice: Iceland is one of the most active volcanic spots on Earth

Iceland is one of the most active volcanic areas on the planet. Over the last century, volcanic eruptions have occurred on average every four years. Earthquakes are also common in Iceland, but most are small, which means that significant damage from earthquakes is actually very rare. We have strict regulations regarding the way buildings are constructed and how they are designed so that they can withstand the largest earthquakes that might occur here.

Icelanders have learned to live with volcanoes and earthquakes and have developed a robust monitoring and civil defence system. In fact, most of us find volcanic eruptions quite thrilling, and so it's no surprise that small effusive eruptions like those that have occurred at Mt. Fagradalsfjall in recent years are popular tourist attractions with Icelanders as well as international visitors.

Reykjanes is now the most tectonically active area in Iceland

Reykjanes is currently the most active area in Iceland in terms of earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. After about 800 years of dormancy with no eruptions and very little seismic activity, things started to change. Since 2018, there have been several magma intrusions at three different locations on the peninsula and three volcanic eruptions in and near to Mt. Fagradalsfjall. As of this writing, the Svartsengi volcanic system at Sundhnúksgígar has experienced three eruptions in the past three months (December 23, January, and February 24). With magma still intruding into the system, further eruptions are anticipated to continue in Svartsengi.

In the weeks before the eruption, noticeable earthquake swarms and measurable crust deformation preceded these magma movements. These early warning signs have given scientists and relevant authorities time to prepare and issue timely warnings. The eruptions themselves, though impressive to watch, have been relatively small, and their effects very localized. However, the eruptions in Sundhnúksgígar craters have called for more caution since they have since the eruptions started with more force, resulting in lava flows that have reached and impacted nearby roads and infrastructure.

A new era?

Based on the history of previous periods of volcanic activity on the Reykjanes peninsula, experts are now suggesting that a new period of eruptions and earthquakes has begun, which may last for a hundred or even two hundred years - perhaps even longer.

But what does that mean for the landscape and the people who use it? If you're keen to find out, keep an eye on our blog. In our next article, we will discuss why volcanic eruptions and earthquakes are so common on the Reykjanes peninsula.