Unusual activity observed as the eruption progresses

Despite the apparent subsiding of the eruption, seismic activity remains strong, with continued tremors detected in the northeastern section of the magma corridor, according to Benedikt Halldórsson, director of natural hazards at the Icelandic Meteorological Office.

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“It has been a lively day, with ongoing seismic activity even as the eruption appears to be slowing,” Halldórsson told mbl.is, referring to the eighth eruption on the Reykjanes Peninsula, which began earlier today.

Shifting magma flow raises questions

While the eruption has similarities to previous events, the magma flow is displaying an unusual shift in movement. Initially, it advanced southwest toward Grindavík, reaching the northern part of the town within the first hour. However, the flow then stopped moving south and instead pivoted northeast, a deviation from previous patterns.

“The magma corridor begins its movement beneath Mt. Sundhnúkur, where it typically spreads northeast and southwest. Today, it started shifting toward Grindavík, but then stalled and turned northeast,” Halldórsson explained.

Monitoring and expanding sensor coverage

While the pressure within the system has decreased, it has still been strong enough for magma to continue pushing northward.

“It seems to have slowed down, which is good news, but we are still closely monitoring the situation,” Halldórsson said.

To gain a clearer understanding of the evolving eruption, authorities are deploying additional sensors to improve real-time data collection.

“This is the sequence of events as we’ve observed it so far, but we are actively expanding our sensor network to get a better picture of what’s happening,” Halldórsson concluded.