Seismic activity increases near Grindavík: Eruption could be imminent
A volcanic eruption must be expected at very short notice. mbl.is/Hákon
According to the Icelandic Meteorological Office, seismic activity intensified overnight near the Sundhnúkagígar crater row and the Grindavík area. Around ten earthquakes were recorded near the magma tunnel, prompting heightened vigilance among monitoring teams.
Night watch on high alert
Sigríður Kristjánsdóttir, a natural hazard expert at the Icelandic Meteorological Office, told mbl.is that seismic activity was significantly higher during the first part of the night compared to recent days.
“The night watch was on its toes, as there was increased seismic activity shortly after midnight,” Kristjánsdóttir said. “However, it subsided around 3 am.”
Eruption could begin at any moment
Kristjánsdóttir emphasized the uncertainty surrounding the timing of a potential eruption.
“It is impossible to predict exactly when an eruption will occur. It could happen within the next few hours or the next few days,” she stated.
Since the volcanic activity began in December 2023, the volume of magma accumulating beneath Svartsengi has never been greater. The most recent eruption—the seventh in the ongoing series—ended on December 9.
Monitoring a potentially more powerful eruption
“Magma continues to accumulate, though the rate of land rise has slowed in recent weeks,” Kristjánsdóttir noted. “What happens next is uncertain. It is entirely possible that the next eruption could be more powerful than previous ones, but predicting volcanic activity is never an exact science.”
She assured that experts are closely monitoring all indicators and remain prepared for rapid developments.
“We must remind ourselves that an eruption could start at very short notice. That is the reality we are dealing with,” Kristjánsdóttir concluded.
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