Earthquake swarm off the Reykjanes peninsula overnight
Considerable seismic activity was recorded in the area overnight. Map/Icelandic Meteorological Office
An earthquake swarm that began off the Reykjanes Peninsula yesterday evening continued through the night, with around 50 quakes recorded in the area between 7 p.m. yesterday and 5 a.m. this morning.
The largest quake struck at 8:04 p.m. and measured 4.0 in magnitude, making it the strongest earthquake recorded in this area since May 24, 2025.
Elísabet Pálmadóttir, a natural hazards specialist at the Icelandic Meteorological Office, says that swarms in this area are not unusual and are most likely caused by tectonic movements.
However, she adds that the significant tension in the region, due to magma accumulation beneath Svartsengi, can also trigger pressure changes in the surrounding area.
“There is, of course, so much strain on the peninsula, which naturally affects nearby areas,” Pálmadóttir explains.
The swarm began around 7 p.m., subsided around 10 p.m., and then started up again at about 2 a.m. Map/Icelandic Meteorological Office
