Earthquake swarm at Reykjanestá subsides

The earthquake swarm that began near Reykjanestá the previous day has significantly diminished. Over the past 12 hours, nearly 70 tremors have been recorded in the area—down from more than 200 the night before.

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Growing seismic activity raises likelihood of major eruption

“The intensity of the swarm has only decreased. It subsided around midday yesterday until the evening but then picked up again after midnight. However, there were clearly fewer earthquakes last night compared to the past 24 hours,” says Ingibjörn Andrea Bergþórsdóttir, a natural hazard expert at the Icelandic Meteorological Office, in an interview with mbl.is.

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Large earthquake swarm near Reykjanestá

Since 2021, multiple earthquake swarms have occurred in the region, with five swarms recorded in this specific area since 2023. According to geoscientists at the Icelandic Meteorological Office, the current activity is likely caused by trigger earthquakes — seismic events driven by shifts in the stress field on the Reykjanes Peninsula, following years of tectonic activity.

Potential eruption could happen at any time

When asked about the situation at the Sundhnúkagígar crater row, Ingibjörg states that an eruption remains a real possibility. In the past 24 hours, 13 small earthquakes have been detected in the magma tunnel beneath the area.

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Volcanic eruption possible near March 20

“We are on alert and prepared for an eruption. From experience, we know it can start with very little warning,” she says.

Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely as seismic activity remains a key indicator of potential volcanic unrest in the region.