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What Travelers Should Know About Iceland's Latest Volcanic Eruption

This is a developing story and will be updated with more information.

Over the weekend, Iceland experienced its second volcanic eruption in just under a month. Both eruptions took place near Grindavik, a fishing town of about 4,000 people located on the southwestern tip of Iceland, approximately 26 miles from the capital of Reykjavik .

On January 14, lava began spewing from a fissure located on the Reykjanes Peninsula just before 8 a.m. local time, according to Iceland’s public broadcaster RUV . A few hours later, a second fissure opened, intensifying the eruption. As of Tuesday morning, there were no signs of further lava flow, according to the Icelandic Meteorological Office.

Due to the direction of the lava flow, Sunday's eruption has caused more physical damage than December's. At least three homes in Grindavik were burned to the ground, RUV reports. Other damages like snapped water pipes and broken heating systems were still being assessed by officials on Tuesday. Roads in the area buckled, and piles of cooled and hardened magma could be seen in front yards and other residential areas, according to photos from local reporters on the scene. Fortunately, the town successfully evacuated the night before, meaning no lives were in danger at the time of the eruption, Iceland’s president said Sunday in a statement .

Because Grindavik is not a popular tourist destination, the second eruption has had little impact on travel plans to Iceland. Additionally, flights into or out of Iceland have not been affected. The country, nicknamed the "land of fire and ice," is well versed in dealing with frequent volcanic activity —this is the fifth eruption on the Reykjanes Peninsula in the past three years. That said, it can still be question-raising for visitors with upcoming trips. Here's what travelers to Iceland should know about the latest eruption, and how it could impact a visit.

Travel advisories

Iceland's January eruption does not pose an immediate threat to people living on or visiting the island, according to the Icelandic Prime Minister's Office . But the government is still warning people not to approach the area, which is still under a state of emergency and closed to all civilians and residents. Iceland’s government has been helping to arrange temporary housing for displaced Grindavik residents. “Authorities request people stay away from the area and do not attempt to walk to the eruption site,” the Icelandic Tourism Board says. "All roads to the area are closed."

The US Embassy in Iceland suggests Americans with plans to travel to Iceland to “monitor local news and government websites for detailed information and to follow Civil Protection instructions,” per a January 14 statement . Embassy officials also advise Americans to avoid the area of the eruption and follow the instructions of Icelandic authorities and Icelandic Civil Defense. Updates are available on RUV’s website and on the government of Iceland’s official website . Travelers can also download the SafeTravel app for updates on the nation’s road conditions and other news for tourists from the Icelandic Association for Search and Rescue.

Flight disruptions

There have been no disruptions to flights to and from Iceland as a result of the eruption, according to the Government of Iceland . Roads to Keflavík International Airport are unaffected, and all international flight corridors remain open.

Unlike Iceland's 2010 eruption that grounded thousands of flights, eruptions in the Grindavik area, such as these, are not expected produced large clouds of volcanic ash (which pose the greatest risk to air travel) due to the geographic location of the fissures, Snorri Valsson, Project Manager at the Icelandic Tourist Board, told RUV in November.

Overall, officials don't expect the latest eruption to have an effect on air travel. “The impact of volcanic eruptions tends to be limited to specific, localized areas near the eruption site,” the tourism board said after the first eruption in December. “Notably, previous eruptions in the area did not impact air travel to and from the country.”

Site closures

Following the January eruption, one of Iceland's iconic tourist attractions has shut down once again. The Blue Lagoon thermal spring, which is located on the Reykjanes peninsula less than three miles from Grindavik, is closed to visitors. The popular geothermal spa will remain fully shuttered until Thursday January 18, according to its website . The lagoon has been closed on and off since the threat of an eruption was first detected in November. All guests with upcoming bookings will be contacted, the statement said. (The Blue Lagoon first halted operations on November 9, when a major uptick in seismic activity was detected.)

How to help residents

The Red Cross is raising money for the affected residents. Donations will be allocated directly to residents in Grindavik to help rebuild homes and meet other immediate needs. The organization has assembled a special allocation committee—made up of representatives from the Red Cross, the town of Grindavik, and the local priest in Grindavik—to ensure the funds reach people in need, RUV reports.

A developing situation

While there were no signs of further lava flow as of Tuesday morning, and “seismic activity continues to decrease” as per the IMO , about 200 small earthquakes were detected on Monday night, which means magma is still moving. “At this point, it is premature to declare that the eruption is over,” the IMO said. “Considerable hazards persist in the area.”

Experts first began detecting a surge in seismic activity in the area in late October, with a series of thousands of small earthquakes recorded along an underground magma corridor, leading officials to declare a state of emergency in Grindavik on November 10. Since then, it’s been a waiting game to see when exactly an eruption would occur, giving authorities plenty of time to prepare to handle the fissures belching lava.

On average, Iceland experiences a volcanic event every five years. "Iceland has been formed by a series of volcanic eruptions across millions of years and its culture has been shaped and even improved by it," Chris Gordon, a travel specialist with Icepedition, tells Traveler. "Some upsides of volcanism include clean geothermal energy for power plants, as well as hot springs, hot rivers and even hot waterfalls to enjoy."

This story has been updated with new information since its original publish date.

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A volcano has erupted in Iceland. What do I need to know ahead of my trip?

Dec 19, 2023 • 6 min read

The volcanic eruption is at Grindavík, which isn't a tourist site © Abstract Aerial Art / Getty Images

​In this series, Lonely Planet's team of writers and editors answers your travel problems and provides tips and hacks to help you plan a hassle-free trip. This week, Icelandic travel writer Eygló Svala Arnarsdóttir from Reykjavík brings us up-to-date on the volcanic activity in Grindavík and how it could impact travelers.

Question: I am due to travel to Iceland next month. We had to reschedule our trip following the earthquake in November and now with the volcano this week. Is there anything I need to be aware of?

Eygló Svala Arnarsdóttir:  Quite a bit has happened since the earthquakes in November. Following weeks of tremors, a magma channel had formed beneath Grindavík, prompting the Department of Civil Protection and Emergency Management to evacuate the fishing town and the surrounding area, including the popular Blue Lagoon geothermal pool.

On Monday, December 18, a volcano erupted at Hagafell, minutes outside of Grindavík, catching the authorities off-guard. The Blue Lagoon had just reopened and Grindavík residents had started to return to their homes. Now the National Police Commissioner of Iceland has upgraded the preparedness level for Civil Protection from “Alert” to “Emergency” and told the public not to approach the area. The authorities have also closed all nearby roads. Here's everything you need to know.

Which volcano has erupted in Iceland?

The Icelandic volcanic eruption is a fissure eruption, a linear vent from which lava spews out. It's part of the Fagradalsfjall volcanic system on the Reykjanes peninsula and this is the fourth such eruption in the area since 2021.

Before that, there hadn't been an eruption in the Reykjanes UNESCO Global Geopark area, a major plate boundary along the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, for more than 800 years. Experts now believe that the peninsula has entered a prolonged phase of seismic and volcanic activity. They think regular eruptions could continue for decades, even centuries.

How big is the eruption in Iceland?

The Icelandic Met Office has said that the volcano has a 4km (2.5-mile) crack in it. They believe that the lava flow rate is 100–200 cu meters per second (roughly 26,415–52,835 US gallons). That's more than a swimming pool full of lava being spat out every second. However, the Met Office has since said that the intensity of the volcanic eruption has started to decrease.

“The fact that the activity is decreasing already is not an indication of how long the eruption will last, but rather that the eruption is reaching a state of equilibrium,” they have said.

Is the volcano in Iceland still erupting?

Yes. At the time of writing, the volcano in Iceland is still erupting. The website livefromiceland.is has a dedicated Iceland volcano live cam where people can watch Fagradalsfjall erupt.

The Icelandic Road Administration has closed the following roads: Grindavíkurveg (43), Suðurstrandaveg (427) west of Krýsuvíkurveg and Nesveg (425) near Brimketil.

How close is the erupting volcano to Reykjavík?

The Fagradalsfjall volcanic system is around 40km (25 miles) from Reykjavík, Iceland. It usually takes around 50 minutes to drive here from Iceland's capital. The nearest town to the erupting volcano is Grindavík. The Met Office has said that the southern end of the eruption is almost 3km (1.85 miles) from the fishing town.

Is Grindavík a tourist spot?

Grindavík is not a tourist spot in itself but it is close to the popular Blue Lagoon. The authorities had closed the geothermal pool and spa at the time of the earthquakes but it had reopened on December 17 and started to welcome visitors again. However, as of Monday night (December 18), the Blue Lagoon had reclosed. 

“We have temporarily closed our facilities in Svartsengi,” a message read on their website. “All guests with confirmed bookings in the upcoming days will be contacted. We will continue to monitor the progress and maintain close communication with the authorities,” they added.

The recent seismic activity had already caused severe damage to houses and infrastructure in Grindavík. The area is still closed off to the public over concerns that the lava could reach the town. If you are planning to visit, consider another town on the Reykjanes Peninsula  like Keflavík, which is still accessible by car. Speak with your tour operator if you have a Blue Lagoon trip planned, or with the spa directly.

Can I fly to Iceland at the moment? Or Is the volcano affecting flights?

Flights to and from Keflavík Airport and Reykjavík Airport are operating as normal. Isavia, Iceland's national air navigation service provider, has said it is monitoring developments closely. They advise passengers to monitor the flight schedules on either the Keflavík Airport  or the  Reykjavík Airport websites.

Back in 2010, when the Eyjafjallajökull volcano erupted in Iceland, it caused enormous disruption to flights across Europe as ash bellowed into the air. However, experts do not believe that the Fagradalsfjall eruption will have the same impact.

Speaking to the BBC, volcanologist Dr Evgenia Ilyinskaya said there would not be the same level of disruption as in 2010. She said that the volcanoes in southwest Iceland were “physically not able to generate the same ash clouds.”

Is it safe to travel to Iceland right now?

Yes. The Icelandic government has put out a statement to confirm that it is safe to travel to Iceland right now.

“The eruption does not present a threat to life,” they said in a statement. “There are no disruptions to flights to and from Iceland and international flight corridors remain open.”

Do I need to cancel my trip to Iceland or change my plans?

No. As it stands, the volcanic eruption is only taking place in the southwest of the country. The rest of Iceland remains open.

If you had planned to visit Grindavík, the Blue Lagoon or the nearby area, you should consider altering your trip.  Iceland has plenty of great places to visit in winter. For example, Akureyri , on the opposite side of the island, is particularly wonderful this time of year. Popular among skiers; the local ski resort opens on December 22.

As flights are open and disruption is limited to southwest Iceland, insurance companies are very unlikely to pay out should you want to cancel your trip.

Iceland is a volcanic hotspot. Minor and major eruptions have occurred every few years since the island was formed. Earthquakes and eruptions are part of the daily reality here but locals take solace in the fact that scientists monitor volcanoes around the clock. The authorities also do whatever they can to keep people safe.

Iceland is an exciting country to visit as long as you’re aware of the risks and take any necessary precautions. The best source of information is  safetravel.is , which has updates on the Grindavík situation and lots of other safety issues, including road conditions.

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What you need to know about volcano tourism in Iceland

As seen in recent eruptions, seismic activity in the country is hotting up. From travel advice to ‘volcano tourism’, here’s what you need to know about visiting Iceland.

Volcanic activity in Iceland has been rumbling on for months, centred around the Reykjanes Peninsula near Reykjavík, in the southwest of the country. After multiple earthquakes, the most recent series of eruptions kicked off at the end of 2023, when an explosion along a 2.5-mile fissure sent lava into the air a couple of miles northeast of the fishing village of Grindavík; another followed shortly afterwards.

Now, a new fissure near Sýlingarfell, northeast of Grindavík, has begun spewing lava and smoke.

What’s the background?

In 2021, after 6,000 years lying dormant, the Fagradalsfjall volcanic system on the Reykjanes Peninsula sprang back into life with the appearance of a 600ft-long fissure. Until that moment, the region hadn’t seen an eruption for over 800 years. Three small blasts followed (in 2021, 2022 and the summer of 2023), each producing fountains of fire.

A nine-mile dike (an underground pathway that allows magma to travel towards the surface) on the Reykjanes Peninsula was discovered to be the underlying cause, and since then there have been further eruptions that have reached the town of Grindavík. If additional volcanic activity occurs, it’s likely to take place in this region.

What does it mean for travellers?

So far, the greatest disruption has been to the residents of Grindavík, who were evacuated prior to the December eruption. Following recent blasts, some homes here have been destroyed by lava. The nearby Blue Lagoon, the country’s most popular attraction, has briefly closed, on and off, as a precautionary response to the eruptions, but has not been otherwise impacted. Reykjavík and the international airport, meanwhile, were unaffected.  

Some passengers on flights that have flown over eruption sites have been treated to spectacular scenes from their window seats.  

‘Volcano tourists’ have since converged on the area, hoping for a glimpse of the lava. However, Icelandic police warned people to “think four times” before attempting to get close to the sites, after an exhausted hiker had to be rescued by helicopter.

What happens next?

As volcanoes can be unpredictable, it’s hard to say with 100% certainty. “Most volcanologists seem to agree that this period of volcanic activity is going to go on for many years, if not decades,” says Dr Robin Andrews, a volcanologist. But, “it’s difficult to study the systems where there’s no central volcano.”  

Is there likely to be a repeat of the 2010 ash cloud?

Experts in the fields of volcanology and aviation agree that a repeat of the events that followed the Eyjafjallajökull eruption likely won’t happen again. Back then, a six-day shutdown of European airspace, due to the presence of ash in quantities sufficient to cause engine failure in planes, caused the cancellation of some 100,000 flights.  

The fact that the volcanoes involved in the most recent eruptions don't open onto a large ice sheet, as Eyjafjallajökull does, minimises the amount of ash likely to be ejected — when ice melts into a volcano, the magma cools rapidly and forms fine ash particles. Additionally, the world of aviation has seen advancements in technology since 2010, and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency has confirmed it’s better prepared for a volcanic ash event.

Is it safe to go to Iceland?

Volcanic activity is currently largely isolated to the Reykjanes Peninsula. Beyond this region, Iceland is safe and its main tourist sites remain open.  

Dr Andrews recommends that anyone planning to travel to the country monitors the advice of the Icelandic Meteorological Office , which shares comprehensive data on the latest activity. The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office travel pages are also updated as conditions change. While in Iceland, monitor local news and heed local authority guidance.  

“There’s a lot of uncertainty,” says Snorri Valsson, of the Icelandic Tourist Board. “It’s a localised seismic event limited to the area around Grindavík — in the rest of the island, it’s business as usual. But it’s understandable that some people might be disturbed by the news.”

What about insurance?

Always make sure you take out comprehensive insurance when booking a trip to ensure you’re covered before departure. At least £2,500 is a good level of protection for short-haul trips. Ensure the policy covers repatriation in the event you need to head home early.

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Is it safe to travel to Iceland right now? Latest travel advice following fifth eruption

Here’s everything you need to know about travelling to Iceland after the latest volcanic eruption

Iceland is a popular  travel destination thanks to its unique natural landscapes, hot springs and the opportunity to witness the elusive Northern Lights. It’s typically regarded as  a super safe place for travellers and expats  – but that doesn’t mean it isn’t susceptible to natural disasters.

A volcano on  the Reykjanes peninsula has erupted for the fifth time since December on Wednesday (May 29), only three weeks after the end of the last eruption. With lava flowing dangerously close, residents of the small fishing town of  Grindavík and visitors at the Blug Lagoon spa have been evacuated. 

Understandably, those with trips booked to Iceland might wonder whether visiting the country is safe. This is everything we know about travelling to Iceland right now.

Is it safe to travel to Iceland?   

Despite Wednesday’s eruption,  neither the UK Foreign Office nor the US Department of State are recommending against travel – though the former has warned against travelling near the affected region.

Where was the volcanic eruption in Iceland? 

On Wednesday, a long-dormant volcano erupted for the fifth time since December just north of  Grindavík, a town in the Reykjanes Peninsula . Grindavík is in southwest Iceland, around 42km away from the Icelandic capital  Reykjavik . Its 4,000 residents were evacuated. 

Is the Blue Lagoon open? 

Hundreds of people were evacuated from the Blue Lagoon, one of Iceland’s most popular tourist attractions, on Wednesday. The famous geothermal spa will remain closed until further notice.  

Have flights been cancelled? 

The eruption hasn’t affected air traffic, so flights to and from Iceland are operating as normal.

Your best bet if you have a flight booked to or out of Iceland is to keep an eye on your airline’s website for updates on whether your journey will be affected. Multiple airlines have said they ’ll contact passengers if and when the situation changes.   

What is the UK Foreign Office saying? 

Despite the eruption, the UK Foreign Office has not advised against tourists visiting Iceland, but they have updated their ‘Safety and Security’ advice. 

The statement on the website reads: ‘ Recently there has been a series of volcanic eruptions on the Reykjanes peninsula in south-west Iceland, the latest on 29 May. These have affected the town of Grindavik and the area to the north of it. Stay away from this area. All roads to Grindavik and the surrounding area are closed.

‘The likelihood of further eruptions in this location remains high. Check local media for updates and follow the Iceland authorities’ advice on travel to the area.’

It also advises keeping up with the  Icelandic Met Office ,  Safe Travel Iceland  and  Almannavarnadeild Facebook page .

What are your rights if you’ve booked a trip to Iceland? 

As the UK Foreign Office has not advised against travel, it’s likely your trip will go ahead as normal. Unless the advice changes, it’s unlikely you’ll be able to cancel your trip without a penalty. Contact your travel provider directly for all the up-to-date info about your trip. 

When was the last eruption in Iceland?

The last volcanic eruption in Iceland was on March 16, 2024, following three other eruptions in January, February and December. Before that, other than some volcanic activity in 2021, the Reykjanes Peninsula was dormant for 800 years.  

In 2010, an ash cloud from the Eyjafjallajökull volcanic eruption was responsible for the biggest halt to European air traffic since World War Two. 

Did you see that these are all the strikes at European airports you need to watch out for right now ?

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Is it safe to travel to Iceland after volcanic eruption? Your rights if you have a holiday booked

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The earth is at its most restless in Iceland right now. Since November 2023 the Icelandic authorities have been monitoring seismic activity on the Reykjanes Peninsula, southwest of Reykjavik .

The latest eruption was Sundhnúksgígar at noon on 29 May, with lava shooting 50 metres into the sky. The nearby Blue Lagoon spa was evacuated as a precaution. The tourist attraction will not reopen before 1 June.

The Icelandic Met Office (IMO) reported: “There is still considerable lava fountaining on the main part of the fissure, which is about 2.4 km long.

“There is considerable uncertainty regarding the amount of gases from the eruption site.”

The Foreign Office warns : “Recently there has been a series of volcanic eruptions on the Reykjanes peninsula in south-west Iceland, the latest on 29 May.

“These have affected the town of Grindavik and the area to the north of it. Stay away from this area. All roads to Grindavik and the surrounding area are closed. The likelihood of further eruptions in this location remains high. Check local media for updates and follow the Iceland authorities’ advice on travel to the area.”

The location is around 10 miles southwest of Keflavik airport, a major North Atlantic aviation hub. Flights are continuing to arrive and depart as normal.

These are the key questions and answers on consumer rights.

I am in Iceland. Will I be able to leave?

Yes, assuming the international airport remains open. Isavia, which runs the airport, said: “An eruption has started on the Reykjanes Peninsula.

“Keflavík airport is open and operating in the usual way.”

You may be keen to leave earlier than booked, in order to guarantee your getaway, but at present you will not be able to switch flights without paying a penalty.

The FCDO advises travellers to check the following resources for updates:

• Icelandic Met Office
• Safe Travel Iceland
• Department of Civil Protection and Emergency Management

But didn’t an Icelandic volcano shut down European aviation for a week?

Yes. Travellers may remember where they were in April 2010, when the Icelandic volcano Eyjafjallajokull erupted . The skies of northern Europe completely closed to passenger aviation for almost a week.

A quarter of a billion cubic metres of volcanic ash was ejected and was carried southeast towards the UK and continental Europe by the breeze. The fear was that volcanic ash could damage jet engines and potentially bring down aircraft. In the biggest shutdown of aviation since the Second World War, 50,000 flights were cancelled and 8 million passengers had their travel plans wrecked.

More than 50,000 flights, with eight million passengers booked to travel, were cancelled.

So far in 2023, though, ash has not been an issue in the current geological outburst.

Thankfully, the circumstances are very different. Eyjafjallajokull erupted with a glacier on top. The addition of melting water meant that the lava cooled very quickly into tiny fragments. These were promptly propelled into the atmosphere to a height of 30,000 feet by the steam produced in the eruption.

The current eruption is not having anything like the same effect. The lava will cool and remain on the ground.

In addition, new guidelines established in the wake of the 2010 eruption allow aircraft to fly if volcanic ash is present in reasonably small quantities. Another Icelandic volcano erupted in 2011, and in that case only 1 per cent of flights in northern Europe were cancelled – rather than 100 per cent on some days in that extraordinary time.

What if I am booked on a package holiday?

Foreign Office advice stops well short of advising against travel to Iceland, meaning holiday companies can continue to operate as normal – with no automatic right to cancel.

Until and unless the Foreign Office warns against travel, the assumption is that everything will go ahead as normal.

The one exception is for holidaymakers who had planned to stay at the Blue Lagoon , an increasingly popular “wellness” destination, with an upmarket hotel on the site.

Only those booked for a stay which cannot now take place have the chance to cancel; if you were hoping to pop in as a day visitor for a steamy stop in the volcanic rock pools, you will need to return at some time in the future.

Can I claim on insurance?

No, unless it is one of the vanishingly rare “cancel for any reason” policies. On standard travel insurance, “disinclination to travel” is not an acceptable reason for a claim.

Would you go to Iceland at the moment?

Yes, I would relish the opportunity. The Icelandic authorities are expert at handling seismic events, with extremely good monitoring and emergency systems in place.

I would book a package holiday, though, knowing that if the earth gets too restless for comfort in the vicinity, I would be able to cancel for a full refund.

It could also be that the new eruption becomes an attraction in its own right, as some have done.

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Iceland Volcano Eruption FAQ: What Travelers Need to Know

Dawit Habtemariam , Skift

December 19th, 2023 at 1:26 PM EST

Iceland is safe and the volcano's impact has been minimal.

Dawit Habtemariam

A volcano erupted in southwest Iceland on Monday. Despite the eruption, only the Blue Lagoon spa, Grindavik and areas close the volcano are off limits to the public.

“The volcano right now, at least in its current state, is posing no danger,” said Kristijan Svajnzger, operations manager for Eastern Europe at Intrepid Travel .

What’s the status of the volcano’s eruption? 

The eruption began on Monday, December 18 at 10:17 p.m. ET, on the Reykjanes peninsula northeast of the town of Grindavik.  

This is the fourth eruption since 2021 in the area, and the largest so far with an initial fissure opening of 4km, according to Iceland’s government .

The size of the eruption has been diminishing since Monday evening and the lava flow is estimated to be about one-quarter of what it was when the eruption started, according to t he Icelandic Meteorological Office .

Is Iceland safe for travel? Is the volcano a risk for travelers in Iceland?

Flights are operating through Keflavik International Airport on schedule.

Major carriers have not cancelled their flights into Keflavik. “At this time, the eruption does not affect our operations or Keflavík airport. Our flight schedule remains unchanged,” said a note on Icelandair’s website .

The eruption does not pose an immediate threat to visitors. Only Grindavik has been evacuated. No additional evacuations have been made, according to Visit Reykjanes .

The eruption is not expected to impact additional populated areas, according to Iceland’s government. Reykjavik and other cities remain unaffected.

The U.S. State Department has not changed its travel advisory for Iceland. It’s a Level 1 advisory, the safest level for a country.

Tour operators Jacada Travel, G Adventures , Intrepid Travel and Road Scholar have not canceled upcoming or ongoing trips to Iceland.

“We are still booking and operating trips to Iceland,” said Jacada Travel Founder Alex Malcom. “Airports remain open and the country as a whole is extremely experienced at dealing with volcanoes in a safe way.”

Which tourist attractions in Iceland are closed?

Only Blue Lagoon is closed. The geothermal spa will be closed through December 27 . The Golden Circle, the South Coast and the Northern Lights are open to tourists.

Intrepid Travel, Jacada Travel and Road Scholar have replaced Blue Lagoon in their itineraries with other spas like Sky Lagoon Iceland . 

‘We have already updated the itineraries and moved from Blue Lagoon to Sky Lagoon,” said Meghan Flynn, association vice president of program strategy for Road Scholar.

G Adventures has offered refunds to clients who included Blue Lagoon in their itineraries, said Yves Marceau, vice president of product.

Can travelers see the eruption?

No. All roads to Grindavik are closed. The entire area around Blue Lagoon has been closed. Authorities have blocked access to the eruption area.

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What to Know About Iceland’s Volcanic Eruption

The eruption on the Reykjanes Peninsula sent lava gushing into the night sky. Air travel did not appear to be affected.

By Egill Bjarnason and Cassandra Vinograd

Egill Bjarnason reported from Iceland, and Cassandra Vinograd from London.

After weeks of anticipation, a volcanic eruption in Iceland’s most populated area sent lava spewing into the night sky late Monday and pushed the authorities into action mode Tuesday. The eruption, which was larger than volcanologists had predicted, happened not far from an evacuated town and a power plant.

Iceland is no stranger to volcanic eruptions, and the authorities quickly moved to reassure the public that there was no immediate threat to life. “We are prepared and remain vigilant,” President Gudni Johannesson wrote on the social platform X .

They also stressed that travel was not affected — a clear attempt to fend off concerns of a repeat of 2010, when an ash cloud from another eruption in Iceland snarled flights across Europe .

Here’s what to know about the eruption.

What happened?

The eruption began late Monday, with fountains of lava pouring from a fissure within a volcanic system on the Reykjanes Peninsula, the most populated region in Iceland and home to its capital, Reykjavik. Helicopter video shared by Iceland’s Civil Defense showed steam rising from a glowing, snaking river of lava.

Volcanologists initially said that the eruption had occurred in one of the worst possible locations. The fissure, which is about 2.5 miles long, is not far from the Svartsengi power plant, a geothermal facility that supplies hot water to the whole peninsula. And it is just under two miles from Grindavik, a town of more than 3,500 that was evacuated last month after heightened seismic activity prompted concerns that an eruption was likely.

But after flying over the eruption site, volcanologists said that the immediate situation appeared less dire than initially feared.

Are people at risk?

Volcanologists noted that the direction of the lava’s flow was unpredictable. Although the Icelandic Meteorological Office said on Tuesday afternoon that the eruption’s intensity “continues to diminish,” with the flow estimated to be about a quarter of what it was initially, it was not immediately clear how long it would go on.

“The fact that the activity is decreasing already is not an indication of how long the eruption will last, but rather that the eruption is reaching a state of equilibrium,” the Meteorological Office said in a statement.

Yet because the affected area had previously been evacuated, the eruption “does not pose immediate threat to people,” Iceland’s tourist board said in a statement on Tuesday morning.

The area was closed to traffic, and the risk to nearby energy infrastructure was being assessed, Iceland’s government added in a statement .

The authorities nevertheless warned against getting too close, with Hjordis Gudmundsdottir, a spokeswoman for the Department of Civil Protection, emphasizing that this was “no tourist volcano.”

And the Meteorological Office said that some gas pollution could be detected in the capital later on Tuesday as a result of the eruption.

Is it affecting travel and tourism?

Iceland’s authorities had raised the aviation alert to orange , because ash from a volcanic eruption could pose a risk to aircraft flying in the North Atlantic.

But as of Tuesday morning, all flights to and from the country were operating on schedule, according to a statement from Iceland’s tourist board. It also noted that previous eruptions in the area had not affected air travel.

The European Union Aviation Safety Agency said it was “closely” monitoring the situation and stood “ready to take any action if required.”

But Dave McGarvie, a volcanologist at Britain’s Lancaster University, said that “lava dominated” fissure eruptions like this one tend to “produce little or no ash.”

The eruption did catch some in Iceland by surprise, given that concerns of an imminent eruption had diminished in recent days. The nearby tourist meeca, the Blue Lagoon, which had closed in November because of earthquake activity associated with potential volcanic eruptions, had just reopened for guests on Sunday.

On Tuesday morning, the site issued a statement saying that it would again temporarily shut down.

Overall, Sigurdur Ingi Johannsson, the country’s infrastructure minister, told RUV, the national broadcaster , “We seem to have been quite lucky,” adding, “We hope that will continue.”

Scientists will be taking measurements to try to see whether new subterranean magma is flowing toward the eruption site. That could determine whether this is likely to end in days or to last for weeks, according to Mr. McGarvie.

“An aspect of major concern is where the lava will go,” he said by email. “Anywhere northward is helpful to the evacuated town of Grindavík.”

For now, the lava appears to be flowing in the best possible direction, Iceland’s prime minister, Katrin Jakobsdottir, told RUV. But “this can change with short notice,” she added.

How often do volcanic eruptions occur in Iceland?

Volcanic eruptions are not uncommon in Iceland, which has fewer than 400,000 residents and about 130 volcanoes. In just the past two years, there have been four eruptions on the Reykjanes Peninsula, the scene of the latest eruption and home to about two-thirds of Iceland’s population.

One of Iceland’s most memorable eruptions involved the Eyjafjallajokull volcano in 2010. Although it was relatively small and caused no fatalities, the impact was widespread because a resulting ash cloud grounded much of Europe’s air travel for more than a week.

Iceland straddles two tectonic plates, which are themselves divided by an undersea mountain chain that oozes molten hot rock.

Earthquakes occur when the magma pushes through the plates, and starting in late October, a rise in seismic activity was detected, with tens of thousands of earthquakes reported in the Reykjanes Peninsula. At one point there were as many as 1,400 in a single 24-hour period.

That raised concerns that a significant eruption would soon occur. But when Grindavik was ordered evacuated on Nov. 11, the authorities said that the country was “highly prepared.”

“Iceland has one of the world’s most effective volcanic preparedness measures,” Iceland’s Department of Civil Protection and Emergency Management said on its website.

Iceland's Volcanoes: The Complete Guide

• The 2023 Sundhnukagigar and Litli-Hrutur Volcano Eruptions in Iceland

The 2022 Fagradalsfjall Volcano Eruption in Iceland

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• The Danger of Glacial Flood Jokulhlaups

Broader Impact of Iceland Volcanic Eruptions

• What Was Iceland's Worst Eruption?

1784 Laki Eruption

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• 9. Eyjafjallajokull: Iceland's Most Famous Volcano

8. Thrihnukagigur: The Only Volcano You Can Enter

• 7. Grimsvotn: Iceland's Deadliest Volcano

6. Hekla Volcano: The Gateway to Hell

• 5. Katla Volcano: Eyjafjallajokull Volcano's Explosive Neighbor

4. Snaefellsjokull Volcano: The Door to the Center of the Earth

• 3. Askja: Iceland's Hot Spring Volcano

2. Krafla: The Cold Crater Lake Volcano

1. hverfjall/hverfell: easy hike-around volcano, iceland volcano live stream and cam.

Discover fascinating facts about Iceland's volcanoes, one of its hallmark geographic features. Learn about Iceland's volcanic activity and the most famous eruptions in history. Find out about volcano tourism and how you can visit these natural wonders in this complete guide to volcanoes in Iceland.

The Land of Fire and Ice, Iceland, is a natural wonderland where the freezing forces of glaciers and arctic weather are constantly battling with the Earth's fierce heat. The result is a world of dramatic contrasts across a stark landscape, with a beauty like nowhere else.

Iceland's volcanoes define the nature of the land, creating endless fields of moss-coated lava, sweeping plains of black sand, jagged peaks, hot springs, geysers, and vast craters.

Top Volcano Tours in Iceland

Inside the volcano thrihnukagigur tour with transfer from reykjavik, landmannalaugar super jeep tour with pickup from reykjavik, classic 1 hour lava tunnel caving tour of the raufarholshellir lava tubes.

Thousands flock to Iceland to witness its volcanoes and the marvels they create. During eruptions like the most recent one that took place on the Reykjanes peninsula , even more people rush over for their chance to see one of the Earth's most dramatic and beautiful phenomena.

The 2023 Sundhnukagigar and Litli-Hrutur Volcano Eruptions in Iceland

The eruption started after a week of constant earthquakes in the area that followed the same patterns as the previous eruptions in 2022 and 2021. This meant that volcanic activity was expected by locals, and once it finally started on July 10th, people were excited to see the brand-new fissure.

On the first day, authorities and specialists closed off the area while the situation was being assessed and data was gathered. The next day, a hiking path to the eruption site was established for visitors.

The eruption ended on August 5th, 2023, but the aftermath of the volcanic eruption can still be witnessed. This would not, however, be the last of the volcanic activity that Iceland would experience in 2023.

On December 18th, a fissure opened in Sundhnukagigar , just northeast of Grindavik. This eruption was initially more powerful than the previous eruption, but thankfully, it quickly became apparent that the flow of the lava would not endanger the lives or livelihood of anyone in the area. 

Although initially very powerful, the eruption was short-lived. On December 21st, the eruption was declared over. You can find many guided tours of the volcano area if you want to see the aftermath, and you can also book a helicopter tour to the eruption site  for an unforgettable birds-eye view of this new piece of earth.

In 2024, the Sundhnukagigar crater row has continued to erupt regularly, though these have not been visitor-friendly. It has only been possible to see the eruption site with a helicopter tour.

• See the  Complete Guide to the 2023 Eruption of Litli-Hrutur Volcano
• See the Complete Guide to the 2023 Sundhnukagigar Volcanic Eruption

In the weeks leading up to the eruption, there had been significant tectonic activity on the Reykjanes peninsula. Some earthquakes reached as high as 5.2 on the magnitude scale and could be felt in Reykjavik. On August 3rd, lava finally reached the surface for the first time since the last eruption ended in September of 2021.

• Read the Complete Guide to the 2022 Eruption of Fagradalsfjall Volcano

Reaching the Fagradalsfjall volcano requires hiking for around two hours round-trip, so wear good hiking shoes and warm clothes, as it can get windy in that area. Even if the weather in Iceland is nice when you set out, the conditions can change in a heartbeat.

If you are looking for a quicker way to see the eruption site, we recommend  booking a helicopter tour, allowing you to explore Meradalir valley from above .

Top Self Drive Tours in Iceland

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In 2021, Iceland experienced a magnificent eruption on the Reykjanes peninsula, the land that connects Reykjavik with Keflavik International Airport . In the weeks before its explosion, tens and thousands of earthquakes shook the capital and surrounding areas - normally a surefire forecast of imminent volcanic activities.

At 9:30 PM on March 19, 2021, a great fissure opened in the Geldingadalur valley at Fagradalsfjall volcano , which is 2,300 feet (700 meters) long and covers 0.4 square miles (one square kilometer). 

Although close to the capital, the Fagradalsfjall volcano is located in a sheltered valley away from any settlements or infrastructure, making its eruption rather undisruptive.

• See also: The Complete Guide to the Fagradalsfjall Volcanic Eruption in Geldingadalur

Fagradalsfjall was an effusive rather than an eruptive volcano, meaning its lava oozed and sputtered out of the Earth rather than exploding with ash, fire, and rock.

Of course, the moment Fagradalsfjall volcano went off, everybody wanted to see it. Even though eruptions are quite common in Iceland, they rarely happen close to the capital. 

Some tour operators immediately launched private tours to the Fagradalsfjall volcano eruption , allowing guests to approach the spectacular lava flow and marvel over the fiery fountains and molten rivers under the watchful eye of an experienced local guide.

• See also: 10 Insane Photos of the Fagradalsfjall Volcanic Eruption at Geldingadalur

• See also: The Ultimate Guide to Flying Drones in Iceland

Since its first fissure opened, the primary eruption site at Fagradalsfjall volcano coalesced into a single vast crater. As time passed, several new fissures opened around it, showing the volatility and unpredictability of Earth's volcanic forces. The lava solidified and turned black after the eruption ended in September 2021, but it is still red-hot just beneath the surface.

• See also: Live Feed from the Fagradalsfjall Volcanic Eruption in Geldingadalur

Iceland is a product of volcanism as it sits directly across the Mid-Atlantic Ridge . This ridge separates the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates, and Iceland is one of the few places on Earth where it can be seen above sea level.

Tectonic plates are the crust and the uppermost part of the Earth's mantle. Due to the mantle's convection currents, tectonic plates can move together to form mountains or apart to form oceanic crust. There are 15 major tectonic plates, and the North American and Eurasian plates are two of the biggest.

These two tectonic plates are divergent, meaning that they pull away from each other. As they do so, magma from the mantle rises to fill the space between them, producing volcanic eruptions. This occurs down the length of the rift, as can be noted on other volcanic islands such as those of the Azores and St. Helena .

There are many places in Iceland where you can witness parts of the ridge, such as the Reykjanes peninsula and the Lake Myvatn Area . But Thingvellir is the best as you can stand in a valley between the plates and see the continents' walls on opposite sides of Thingvellir National Park . Due to this divergence between the plates, the valley widens by approximately one inch (2.5 centimeters) every year.

Top Glacier Tours

Best ice cave tour in vatnajokull glacier starting from jokulsarlon glacier lagoon, 2 day ice cave tour with south coast waterfalls & jokulsarlon glacier lagoon, 3-day northern lights tour of iceland’s golden circle & south coast with ice caving & glacier hiking.

There are approximately 130 active and inactive volcanoes in Iceland. Most of these volcanoes are active, with the only dormant sites found in Iceland's  Westfjords .

The Westfjords no longer have any activity because it's the oldest part of Iceland's landmass. This area formed around 16 million years ago and has been pushed away from the Mid-Atlantic Ridge. Thus, the Westfjords is the only part of the country that has to heat its water with electricity (rather than using geothermally-heated water).

Top Nature Tours in Iceland

Small group tour of snaefellsnes national park with transfer from reykjavik.

The main active volcanoes in Iceland run along a curved central line roughly from northeast to southwest. From north to south, the volcanoes' names are Krafla, Askja, Laki-Fogrufjoll, Grimsvotn, Hekla, Vatnajokull, and Katla, followed by Heimaey and Surtsey on the Westman Islands. Grimsvotn is the most active volcano in Iceland.

Here's a map of Iceland's active volcanoes to make it easier to understand. This is just a rough categorization based on geographical zones:

• The West Volcanic Zone
• The East Volcanic Zone
• The North Volcanic Zone
• The Westman Islands
• The Snaefellsjokull Belt
• The Oraefajokull Belt

As we can see on the map above, Reykjavik is situated along the East Volcanic Zone. There are several active volcanoes near Reykjavik, including the recent Fagradalsfjall volcano and the currently erupting Litli-Hrutur. They're the nearest active volcanos to Reykjavik, about 18.6 miles (30 kilometers) southwest of the capital.

Volcanic eruptions in Iceland are relatively regular yet unpredictable occurrences. Since the turn of the 19th century, not a decade has gone by without one; however, it's entirely random whether they go off in quick succession or with longer spaces between eruptions.

Before Litli-Hrutur and Fagradalsfjall volcanoes, Iceland's most recent known eruption was the Holuhraun volcano in the Highlands in 2014. Grimsvotn volcano had a short eruption in 2011, and, more famously, the Eyjafjallajokull volcano caused a lot of travel disruptions back in 2010.

The word "known" is used because there have been several suspected subglacial volcanic eruptions at different locations around the country that did not break the ice. Examples include the Katla volcanic eruption in 2017 and the Hamarinn volcanic eruption in 2011.

• See also: 15 Incredible Photos of Holuhraun Volcano

As much as the prediction and response to Icelandic volcano eruptions have improved, there are still some dangers travelers should be aware of during an eruption:

• Should an eruption occur in Iceland during your stay, it's essential to be aware of the wind's direction. Even an eruption in the Highlands can affect the air quality in Reykjavik if the winds are unfavorable, causing respiratory problems in the young, elderly, and those prone to them.
• It's recommended that people remain inside with the windows closed when the toxicity levels are high. You can see any warnings about eruptions and air quality on the Icelandic weather website .

The threat to human life during volcanic eruptions in Iceland nowadays is minimal. Seismic stations around the country are excellent at predicting eruptions. If a significant volcano such as Katla or Askja shows signs of rumbling, the areas are quickly restricted and closely monitored.

Most towns are far from active volcanoes due to the good sense of early settlers. For example, the south coast of Iceland has very few towns and villages since major volcanoes like Katla and Eyjafjallajokull sit close by. As both of these peaks are under glaciers, the eruptions can cause enormous glacial floods that wipe out anything between them and the ocean.

This causes much of the south to look like a black-sand desert.

The Danger of Glacial Flood Jokulhlaups

These glacial floods (or jokulhlaups  as they're called in both Icelandic and English) remain one of the most dangerous aspects of Iceland's volcanoes due to their unpredictability. Subglacial eruptions can occur without anyone knowing, and flash floods can happen seemingly without warning.

Science is constantly improving, and nowadays, areas can be cleared and monitored if a jokulhlaup is suspected. This is why you should never drive on closed roads, even if it's the summer with no visible hazards ahead.

Though most volcanoes are far from population centers, the unexpected can still occur. When it has, Iceland's emergency measures have been incredibly effective, as was the case with the evacuations following the 1973 eruption of the Heimaey volcano in the Westman Islands .

• See also: Top 5 Islands in Iceland

Though the threat to human life in an Icelandic eruption is very low, its broader impacts can still be enormous. Eruptions in Iceland are major world events that can lead to dramatic consequences, even hundreds of miles away.

The elements brought up from the depths of the Earth in these eruptions can poison crops and livestock, thus crippling those who make a living off the land. Holuhraun volcano was blamed for the mass death of thousands of sheep across the country in 2015, an event that seriously threatened many Icelandic farmers' livelihoods.

The ash clouds produced by Iceland's volcanoes can also wreak havoc. When the Eyjafjallajokull volcano erupted in 2010, flights were grounded across Europe, causing noticeable economic harm. This, however, was a relatively minor consequence compared to previous ash clouds. For example, the Laki volcano's eruption in 1784 was far more catastrophic.

What Was Iceland's Worst Eruption?

The most catastrophic Icelandic eruption in terms of human life was undoubtedly the 1783-1784 Laki volcanic eruption mentioned above. It impacted the climate and almost tore the nation of Iceland apart.

Due to the sheer volume of ash, crops across the country were rendered entirely inedible, and the rivers were poisoned. It wiped out half of the livestock, and a third of Icelanders lost their lives to the resulting famine, which is called the "mist hardships" or "móðuharðindin" in Icelandic. Another third left the country, most emigrating to North America in hopes of a prosperous new life far from what appeared to be a dying island.

• See also: The History of Iceland

The ash cloud from the Laki volcano's eruption went right across Europe, causing dense fog that shut down ports, led to intense food shortages, and brought such heat that most foods quickly spoiled. It also poisoned those who worked outside. The UK had lost an estimated 23,000 people to the gases.

The consequences were even more dramatic in France. Its impact on the country's climate caused famines so terrible that many historians consider the 1784 Laki eruption one of the French Revolution's driving catalysts. In Egypt, the eruption lowered temperatures, leading to a lack of rainfall, a dried-up Nile River, and the loss of a sixth of the country's population.

All in all, it's estimated that up to six million people died because of the Laki volcano.

The Westman Islands are a volcanic archipelago, with Heimaey as the only inhabited island. At the time of the eruption, 5,200 people lived there. In the early hours of January 22, 1973, a fissure opened on the edge of town and snaked right through its center, tearing apart roads and consuming hundreds of buildings in flowing lava.

Despite happening in the middle of the night in the dead of winter, the island's evacuation was swift and effective. With the population safely on the mainland, Iceland's rescue teams worked with the US troops based in the country to minimize damage.

By constantly pumping seawater onto the lava flow, they redirected it from many houses. This slowed the flow of lava and prevented it from closing the harbor, which would have forever crippled the island's economy.

Though nearly 400 homes were destroyed and the island's infrastructure was heavily damaged, only one person lost their life due to the Heimaey eruption. Today, the town has been rebuilt and is a center for tourists looking to go whale or puffin watching or learn about its eruption history. You can choose from some great accommodation options in the Westman Islands to enjoy all the islands have to offer.

Top Westman Islands Tours

Though the threat of an eruption and concern for its consequences are constants in the Icelandic psyche, Iceland wouldn't be half the country it is today without the volcano systems and geothermal energy.

Much of Iceland's economy and infrastructure relies on the geothermal forces at work here. The vast majority of the country's hot water is pumped directly from the Earth to people's faucets and radiators, allowing for cheap, environmentally-friendly heating. Vegetables, fruits, and herbs are grown year-round in greenhouses, allowing fresh produce even in the dead of winter.

Iceland also produces about 30 percent of its electricity at geothermal power stations. As the rest is hydroelectric, Iceland is one of the world's only countries that almost entirely uses renewable energy sources.

However, this does not mean that the potential of Icelandic volcanoes is always used for good. Heavy industry, particularly aluminum smelting, is slowly increasing in Iceland as foreign entities see the potential in such a tremendous and free-flowing heat source.

Of course, Iceland's tourism industry is also heavily reliant on its volcanoes; after all, you can't be "the Land of Fire and Ice" without the forces of both at work.

Many credit the 2010 eruption of Eyjafjallajokull volcano with Iceland's recent boom in tourism, though it crippled the aviation industry at the time. As the volcano's name tangled the tongues of newscasters around the world, millions were shown footage of this country at its most raw, dramatic, and beautiful, inspiring them to witness it further.

Therefore, it's little wonder that much of the tour industry has built up around exploring volcanoes and volcanic regions. These excursions come in a wide variety of forms.

The aftermath of the eruption of Litli-Hrutur volcano is a sight to behold, and there are many guided tours that will get you to the eruption site to see it with your own eyes. This 8-hour guided tour takes you around the Reykjanes peninsula and towards the eruption site of Litli-Hrutur. If you prefer a quicker way to get there, you can take this 40-minute helicopter tour from Reykjavik , which allows you to experience the new lava field from above.

This Super Jeep tour will take you to some of the craters in North Iceland from the village of Husavik and includes a caving component where you can learn even more about the processes that occur during volcanic eruptions. Meanwhile, this 45-minute air tour will let you see the Grimsvotn crater , beneath the enormous Vatnajokull glacier , from an unmatched aerial perspective.

The Into the Volcano tour lets you descend into a dormant volcano's vast, brightly-colored magma chamber via elevator. It's incredibly rare for volcanoes to cool in a way that makes this possible, meaning this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for those seeking Iceland's nature at its most magnificent.

The vast majority of tours in Iceland usually include volcanoes; the country has so many of them that they are inescapable. All Snaefellsnes peninsula tours , for example, are conducted in the shadow of the magnificent Snaefellsjokull volcano . Throughout all excursions around Lake Myvatn , you'll be able to see parts of the Krafla volcanic system , and Highland hikes will expose you to many more.

The Fimmvorouhals hiking trail runs through the lava created by the most recent eruption of the Eyjafjallajokull volcano. Here, you can find two of the newest craters in Iceland, Magni and Mooi .

Given that Iceland has over 130 known volcanoes, it would take a while to see them all. So we've compiled a list of nine volcanoes we recommend that all visitors to Iceland experience firsthand. 

9. Eyjafjallajokull: Iceland's Most Famous Volcano

Most people are familiar with the Eyjafjallajokull volcano after its eruption in 2010 caused a massive disruption in European flights. It may have been a nuisance for many air travelers, but it was a relatively minor event compared to Iceland's most significant eruptions in the past.

The 2010 eruption was the largest one from the Eyjafjallajokull volcano to date. There had been a few previous eruptions but nothing of a similar scale.

A small but long eruption took place between 1821 and 1823. There were earlier eruptions in 1612-1613 and 920, but little is known about them.

The Eyjafjallajokull volcanic system is connected to the Katla volcanic system, meaning an eruption here usually triggers an eruption at Katla volcano within half a decade. So far, this has not been the case, although, as many sources will inform you, the Katla volcano is well overdue for a mighty eruption.

The Eyjafjallajokull volcano has become a popular attraction following its eruption in 2010. During the early days of the eruption, thousands of people made their way to Iceland to marvel at it, with many hopping on planes and helicopters for the best views. 

The only volcano in the world with a magma chamber you can enter is the Thrihnukagigur volcano in Iceland. Dormant for about 4,000 years, there's no risk of an eruption here, making the tours as safe as they are mesmerizing.

Overall, the Thrihnukagigur volcano's magma chamber is about 5,300,000 cubic feet (150,000 cubic meters). It's entered by boarding a small mining lift at the entrance, which will lower you down 390 feet (120 meters) to the enormous cavern base. The bottom covers roughly the same amount of area as a football field, giving you plenty of space to explore. To put these numbers into perspective, the Statue of Liberty can easily fit inside the Thrihnukagigur volcano.

Besides its scale, the most impressive thing about this magma chamber is its vivid coloration. The lava within the chamber held many elements brought up from the Earth's mantle, and their vibrant shades are on full display. The chamber walls are dyed red, green, and yellow by iron, copper, and sulfur.

7. Grimsvotn: Iceland's Deadliest Volcano

The Grimsvotn volcanic system is the most volatile volcanic system in Iceland. Located under the Vatnajokull glacier in the southeast, its craters are largely invisible beneath the ice. However, the resulting ash clouds are the most significant and most deadly when an eruption occurs. 

The Laki volcano mentioned above, which caused worldwide havoc in 1783 and 1784, is part of this volcanic system.

Hekla volcano is one of the most famous and active volcanoes in Iceland. In the Middle Ages, it was known as "The Gateway to Hell" due to its regular and explosive eruptions. However, it's also one of Iceland's least predictable volcanoes, with intervals between eruptions lasting anywhere between nine and 121 years.

Since settlement, Hekla has caused havoc on many occasions, spewing out millions of tons of tephra at a time. Its most powerful eruption was in 1104, though eruptions in 1300, 1693, and 1845 were more destructive to livestock, buildings, and human life. The last eruption was on February 26, 2000, but it was relatively minor.

5. Katla Volcano: Eyjafjallajokull Volcano's Explosive Neighbor

Katla volcano is one of Iceland's most powerful and explosive volcanoes. It has been rumbling for years, with scientists putting out warnings every few months to notify the public of increased activity and remind them that the volcano is long overdue for an eruption. Connected to the same volcanic system as the Eyjafjallajokull volcano, it usually goes off within a few years of its neighbor, with dramatic results. 

The volcano sits beneath the Myrdalsjokull glacier in South Iceland and is notorious for its vast ash clouds and catastrophic jokulhlaups when it erupts.

Snaefellsjokull volcano is one of Iceland's most visited and beloved volcanoes. Located on the Snaefellsnes peninsula's tip, it provides a dramatic backdrop to many sites in the area and is a national park in its own right because of its beauty.

Snaefellsjokull volcano is particularly notable for its role in culture. Many artists have been inspired by its beauty, most notably the writers Halldor Laxness, who used it as a significant setting in "Under the Glacier," and Jules Verne, who claimed it held a cave leading to the Earth's core in "A Journey to the Center of the Earth."

Perhaps more curiously, thousands believed that at midnight on November 5, 1992, aliens would use the volcano as a landing site. A huge crowd gathered, including camera crews from around the world, for what turned out to be a relatively uneventful night.

3. Askja: Iceland's Hot Spring Volcano

The Askja volcano was unknown until a massive eruption began in 1875. The ash was particularly heavy, poisoning the land and killing livestock across much of the country, especially in the Eastfjords. Its effects were felt as far away as Norway and Sweden. Like the 1784 Laki eruptions a century earlier, it prompted many Icelanders to emigrate to North America.

Today, Askja volcano is best known for the vast lake in the caldera formed in this eruption. Despite its altitude, it remained warm for years; today, it's frozen most of the year. However, a smaller geothermal lake in a nearby caldera, Viti , is warm enough for bathing.

• See also:  The five best hot springs in Iceland .

Krafla volcano is a particularly active volcano in North Iceland, having erupted 29 times since settlement. Nine of these eruptions occurred between 1975 and 1984. It's also renowned for its crater lake, also called Viti . The main difference between the two is that Viti in Krafla volcano is a cold lake (beautifully colored in emerald blue), while the Viti in Askja volcano is geothermally heated.

Krafla volcano is a popular attraction in the Lake Myvatn area, visited on many tours due to its proximity to the Namafjall geothermal area. It's 2,684-feet (818-meters) high at its highest peak, 1.25 miles (two kilometers) deep, and its caldera has a diameter of 6.2 miles (10 kilometers).

Top Myvatn Tours

Another popular volcano in North Iceland is called Hverfjall or Hverfell (both are accepted names). It has not erupted for about 4,500 years, despite the volcanic activity around it.

Hverfjall volcano is well-loved because it's easy to hike. The crater is easily accessible from the Ring Road and is just 0.62 miles (one kilometer) in diameter. It only takes about an hour to walk the rim of this popular tephra cone, and it's situated right next to Lake Myvatn.

• To learn more about the 'Ice' in the Land of Fire and Ice, see this article on Glaciers in Iceland

You can watch a live stream of some of Iceland's volcanoes online from the comfort of your own home. Some of them are currently not live, so here are the ones that you can see right now:

• Hekla volcano
• Litli-Hrutur  volcano
• Katla volcano
• Fagradalsfjall volcano

Even though you've just read about the destructive powers of Icelandic volcanoes, don't be put off from coming to the Land of Fire and Ice. Iceland's volcano tourism offers some of the most memorable experiences in the country. If you've explored Iceland's volcanoes before, what were your favorite experiences? Let us know in the comments below.

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Iceland Volcano Erupts for Third Time, Prompting Evacuations and Temporary Blue Lagoon Closure

Here’s what travelers heading to iceland need to know..

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On February 8, a volcano again erupted on Iceland’s Reykjanes peninsula.

Photo by Shutterstock

For the third time since December , a volcano erupted on Iceland’s Reykjanes peninsula, prompting evacuations and cutting off heat and hot water for thousands of residents. Also temporarily closed: the Blue Lagoon , one of Iceland’s top tourist destinations. While the famed geothermal spa remained unscathed, a main road leading to the lagoon and its adjacent hotels and restaurants was obstructed by lava.

The Blue Lagoon evacuated its facilities and will remain closed through at least Tuesday, February 13, as a precautionary measure, according to a statement on the company’s website , which added: “We will continue to closely follow the guidelines and recommendations of the authorities, working collaboratively with them to monitor the progression of events. This commitment aligns with our unwavering dedication to ensuring the safety and well-being of our valued guests and staff.”

The eruption started around 6 a.m. local time on Thursday, February 8, after about 30 minutes of “intense seismic activity,” in the area northeast of Mount Sýlingarfell, according to the Iceland Met Office (IMO), the country’s national weather service.

A fissure in the Earth nearly two miles wide opened, shooting fountains of lava upwards of 250 feet into the air, along with a volcanic plume (a column of volcanic particles and gases) that sprayed nearly two miles high. Within the first seven hours of the eruption, the volcano spewed an estimated 15 million cubic meters of lava.

Situated in southwest Iceland, the Reyksjanes peninsula is one of the country’s most densely populated areas, home to roughly 30,000 residents in a country of only about 375,000. Lava destroyed part of a pipeline that runs from the Svartsengi geothermal power plant to nearby towns as well as Keflavík Airport, leaving some 20,000 people without hot water and heat while winter temperatures have hovered around a frigid 21 degrees Fahrenheit.

The Blue Lagoon remained temporarily closed until at least February 13.

Courtesy of Chris Lawton/Unsplash

While officials are working to fix the pipe, Iceland’s Department of Civil Protection and Emergency Management declared a state of emergency , prompting schools, museums, and other public institutions to close temporarily on Friday.

Just a few miles from the Blue Lagoon, Grindavík, a fishing town of about 3,800 residents, has been uninhabited since it was evacuated in November. The eruption in January caused cracks in the roads surrounding the town, and some homes were leveled by molten lava flow.

Keflavík Airport, the international airport and largest in Iceland, which is located on the Reykjanes peninsula, remains open for now. (The past three eruptions haven’t impacted air travel, unlike the Eyjafjallajokull volcano eruption in 2010 that spewed ash and smoke, grounding flights for more than a week.)

The U.S. Embassy in Reykjavík has issued another volcano alert , noting in a February 8 statement, “U.S. citizens are advised to monitor local news and government websites for detailed information and to follow Iceland Civil Protection instructions.”

As of Friday, the seismic activity had decreased, but the eruption continues to impact the region.

By Friday afternoon, the volcanic activity continued to diminish, with “no signs of eruptive activity,” according to the IMO. But there’s no telling how long the break could last. Before the eruption in 2021—which occurred in Geldingadalir valley, part of the Fagradalsfjall fissure system, about 10 miles east of the current seismic activity—the previous eruption on the Reyksjanes peninsula happened in 1240 C.E.

“The fact the peninsula returned to activity following 781 years of quiescence is very typical of what’s been observed in the geological record, and the expectation is that we’ll be witnessing frequent eruptions on the peninsula for years and years—perhaps centuries—to come,” says Loÿc Vanderkluysen, a volcanologist and associate professor of biodiversity, earth, and environmental science at Drexel University in Philadelphia. The previous active phase lasted roughly 400 years, he notes, from about 800 to 1240 C.E.

Facing the potential of years or centuries of volcanic activity on the peninsula, after the eruption in November, authorities in Iceland started building protective barriers upwards of three stories tall around the Svartsengi power plant in hopes of diverting lava flow from future eruptions. They also began building barriers around Grindavík , though these ultimately didn’t stop the lava from destroying several homes.

“It’s possible that Grindavik could be reoccupied or rebuilt if activity migrates to fissure systems further to the east, but I think the odds are that the town will remain threatened for years or decades to come,” says Vanderkluysen.

Luckily, though, Keflavík airport is far north enough, “away from the fissure systems that they may remain safe during this flare up on the Reykjanes peninsula,” he says. But he cautions, “Frequent eruptions may cause the airport to close periodically, due to the presence of volcanic particles in the atmosphere, which are bad for airplane engines.”

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Iceland warns tourists to stay away from volcano erupting with lava and noxious gases

A volcano in southwestern Iceland has begun erupting, 11 months after its last eruption officially ended. Hundreds of thousands of people flocked to see the spectacular sight. (July 11)

Lava emerges from a fissure of the Fagradalsfjall volcano near the Litli-Hrútur mountain, some 30 kilometers (19 miles) southwest of Reykjavik, Iceland, Monday July 10, 2023. Authorities in Iceland on Tuesday warned spectators to stay away from a newly erupting volcano that is spewing lava and noxious gases from a fissure in the country’s southwest. (AP Photo/Marco Di Marco)

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Scientists and students of the department of Geology of the University of Iceland, observe the eruption and take measurements of the Fagradalsfjall volcano near the Litli-Hrútur mountain, some 30 kilometers (19 miles) southwest of Reykjavik, Iceland, Monday July 10, 2023. Authorities in Iceland on Tuesday warned spectators to stay away from a newly erupting volcano that is spewing lava and noxious gases from a fissure in the country’s southwest. (AP Photo/Marco Di Marco)

In this image taken from a video, Lava emerges from a fissure of the Fagradalsfjall volcano near the Litli-Hrútur mountain, some 30 kilometers (19 miles) southwest of Reykjavik, Iceland, Monday July 10, 2023. Authorities in Iceland on Tuesday warned spectators to stay away from a newly erupting volcano that is spewing lava and noxious gases from a fissure in the country’s southwest. (AP Photo/Marco Di Marco)

A person walks near lava emerging from a fissure of the Fagradalsfjall volcano near the Litli-Hrútur mountain, some 30 kilometers (19 miles) southwest of Reykjavik, Iceland, Monday July 10, 2023. Authorities in Iceland on Tuesday warned spectators to stay away from a newly erupting volcano that is spewing lava and noxious gases from a fissure in the country’s southwest. (AP Photo/Marco Di Marco)

A man takes pictures as lava emerges from a fissure of the Fagradalsfjall volcano near the Litli-Hrútur mountain, some 30 kilometers (19 miles) southwest of Reykjavik, Iceland, Monday July 10, 2023. Authorities in Iceland on Tuesday warned spectators to stay away from a newly erupting volcano that is spewing lava and noxious gases from a fissure in the country’s southwest. (AP Photo/Marco Di Marco)

Part of the lava flow cooling down, while in the background the eruptive fissure producing low lava fountains from the Fagradalsfjall volcano near the Litli-Hrútur mountain, some 30 kilometers (19 miles) southwest of Reykjavik, Iceland, Monday July 10, 2023. Authorities in Iceland on Tuesday warned spectators to stay away from a newly erupting volcano that is spewing lava and noxious gases from a fissure in the country’s southwest. (AP Photo/Marco Di Marco)

REYKJAVIK, Iceland (AP) — Authorities in Iceland on Tuesday warned tourists and other spectators to stay away from a newly erupting volcano that is spewing lava and noxious gases from a fissure in the country’s southwest.

The eruption began Monday afternoon after thousands of earthquakes in the area, meteorological authorities said. This one comes 11 months after its last eruption officially ended. The eruption is in an uninhabited valley near the Litli-Hrútur mountain, some 30 kilometers (19 miles) southwest of the capital, Reykjavik.

The area, known broadly as Fagradalsfjall volcano, erupted in 2021 and 2022 without causing damage or disruptions to flights, despite being near Keflavik Airport, Iceland’s international air traffic hub. The airport remained open on Tuesday.

The Icelandic Meteorological Office said the eruption was initially more explosive than the previous two. Aerial footage showed streams of orange molten lava and clouds of gases spewing from a snaking fissure about 900 meters (half a mile) long.

“Gas pollution is high around the eruption and dangerous,” the Met Office said. “Travelers are advised not to enter the area until responders have had a chance to evaluate conditions.”

By Tuesday morning, the fissure and the volume of the eruption had shrunk, scientists said.

“This has become a small eruption, which is very good news,” University of Iceland geophysics professor Magnús Tumi Guðmundsson told national broadcaster RUV.

He said the eruption could “certainly last a long time, but luckily we’re not looking at a continuation of what we saw in the first few hours.”

A 2021 eruption in the same area produced spectacular lava flows for several months. Hundreds of thousands of people flocked to see the sight.

Iceland, which sits above a volcanic hot spot in the North Atlantic, averages an eruption every four to five years.

The most disruptive in recent times was the 2010 eruption of the Eyjafjallajokull volcano, which sent huge clouds of ash into the atmosphere and led to widespread airspace closures over Europe. More than 100,000 flights were grounded, stranding millions of international travelers and halting air travel for days because of concerns the ash could damage jet engines.

Visit a Volcano in Iceland

The Geldingadalur volcano is a rare opportunity to experience Iceland’s powerful natural forces yourself.  Here are some ways you can work a hike to the volcano into your self-drive holiday/road trip.

Difficulty level:

Route A (currently closed to recent lava flow):   Moderate. You should be in reasonable physical condition and have some hiking experience.

Route B:   Moderate to Difficult. You should be in good physical shape and have some hiking experience. This is longer, uneven terrain and more difficult to walk than Route A.  There is one very steep slope where there is a rope to hold on to. Hiking shoes and hiking poles are essential.

Hiking Distance :

Route A:   8 km (5  miles)

Route B:   More than 8 km (5 miles) through steep terrain

Elevation: 300 m (985 feet)

Option 1: Enjoy a guided tour and extra day in Reykjavík

Add an extra day after your tour in Reykjavík and take the Guided Geldingadalur Volcano Hike – Enjoy a convenient coach transfer to the Geldingadalur Volcano Trail Head. Join your expert guide for an informative, interesting hike through scenic lava landscapes to the volcano. You’ll learn about the volcano and the fascinating Reykjanes Peninsula. The tour is offered on Mon, Wed, Sat, Sun.

Option 2: Make it a self-guided hiking tour

Are you experienced with hiking?  With a little preparation you can visit the volcano yourself.  Drive to the trail head and follow the easily marked hiking trail to the volcano viewing site.

• Pace your day.  Route A:   Expect to spend about 2 – 3 hours of walking round-trip and about 1 – 2 hours viewing the volcano.   Route B:  Expect to take 3 – 4 hours round-trip hiking
• You are always responsible for your own safety when you hike unaccompanied in Iceland.
• Expect the unexpected: the weather in Iceland changes quickly.
• Treat the landscape – and the volcano – with respect.  Please don’t litter the area; pack your trash with you.
• Make sure you are dressed for hiking. Essential: hiking boots, suitable wind and waterproof clothing for hiking in cold weather. Bring raincoat and pants.
• Bring a packed lunch, snacks and bottled water.

Arrival Day:  Visit the Volcano from the airport  –   Is your flight arriving in the morning or early afternoon?  Do you like to start right off with action as soon as your flight arrives?  The hiking trail head is about 30 minutes’ drive from the airport.

• Check the latest volcano trail conditions at safetravel.is before you start hiking.
• Make sure you are dressed for hiking when you arrive in Iceland.
• Bring a packed lunch, snacks and bottled water. You can for example purchase supplies at the airport’s Mathús self-service kiosk or at grocery stores/ shops in Grindavík town.

Arrival Day: Afternoon or Evening volcano hike  –   During the summer months daylight hours are long.  Grab some rest at your accommodation and then head to the trail for a volcano hike. Staying in Hveragerði? – It’s about a 50-minute drive on Road 427 to the volcano trail head.  Staying in Reykjavík? – It’s about an hour’s drive on Roads 41 and 43 to the volcano trail head. 

Check the latest volcano trail conditions at safetravel.is before you start.

Note- Arrival day suggestions are subject to current COVID travel and testing policies .  Please check covid.is website for the latest information.

Departure day 

If your flight is leaving in the late afternoon or early evening you might have the opportunity for hike to the volcano earlier in the day. Make sure you leave enough time to drop off your car and check-in for your flight no later than 2.5 hours before your flight.

• It is your responsibility to make sure you give yourself enough time to make flight check-in.

  Useful Information

Packing list prepared by a landowner near the volcano (Volcano in Iceland)

Icelandic Weather

Who Should (or Shouldn’t) Hike to the Volcano

Daily Geldingadalur Trail Conditions

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Iceland’s ‘unparalleled’ volcanic activity could continue for decades

By Laura Baisas

Posted on Jun 26, 2024 3:01 AM EDT

3 minute read

The volcanic activity that has rocked Iceland’s Reykjanes Peninsula recently could be here to stay. An international team of geologists and volcanologists predict that recurring, similar, moderately sized eruptions will continue in the next several years and could last for decades. The findings are described in a study published June 26 in the journal Terra Nova .

“After over 780 years of dormancy, volcanic activity has now led to eight individual eruptions on the Reykjanes peninsula over the last three years, which is associated with frequent earthquakes and plate boundary dislocations,” Valentin Troll, a study co-author and volcanologist at Uppsala University in Sweden, tells Popular Science . 

[Related: Volcano erupts in Iceland near an airport, a power plant, and an evacuated town .]

Historically, Iceland sees volcanic eruptions about every three to five years . The most recent eruptions suggest that there is a potentially extended period of activity on the Reykjanes Peninsula, home to roughly 22,000 people , Keflavík International Airport, several geothermal power plants, and popular tourist destinations like the Blue Lagoon spa. 

In the study , Troll and a team of researchers from six universities examined eruptions that began in 2021 in the Svartsengi-Fagradalsfjall-Krýsuvík area. The region has seen seven fissure eruptions since 2021. Instead of the eruption coming up from a central vent in a volcano, fissure eruptions occur when underground dikes filled with magma intersect the surface. They can then feed lava flows that can travel for miles, as it has in the area. The nearby fishing town of Grindavik has been completely evacuated several times since late 2023 due to the dangerous conditions.

The team used earthquake data and geochemical analysis of lava and samples of rock fragments ejected by the volcanoes called tephra . Based on previous eruptive behavior, they believe that this pattern is likely to continue. They also found an interconnected magma plumbing system beneath the peninsula. The geochemical and seismic data indicates that there is a magma reservoir about 5.5 to 7.4 miles beneath the Fagradalsfjall volcanic system .

“It seems we are dealing with a main reservoir under the Fagradalsfjall volcanic system that has now also supplied the Svartsengi/Sundhnukur volcanic system via a set of shallower magma pockets,” says Troll. 

This shared reservoir system instead of a larger peninsula-wide reservoir is why the team believes the eruptions will continue.

“The latter [Svartsengi/Sundhnukur volcanic system] is also the main heat source for the Svartsengi geothermal power plant that delivers electricity and hot water to Keflavik International Airport, and is a vital element of infrastructure that is now at risk,” says Troll.

A previous study suggested that magma on the Reykjanes peninsula was fed directly from the mantle. This does not appear to be the case, since this new study found a series of smaller magma reservoirs in the Icelandic crust that can store magma before eruptions.

“The good news is, that the probability of many simultaneous eruptions on the peninsula is a little lower than would be the case if they were directly fed from the mantle,” says Troll.

[Related: How the Tonga eruption rang Earth ‘like a bell’ .]

The team urges preparedness, largely due to the risk to some of the country’s critical infrastructure. However, scientists are also able to study these forces in real time.

“The current eruption episode is unparalleled in that we had now real opportunity to understand how Icelandic lava fields build up and how they assemble large flood basalt areas,” says Troll. “Now we have the opportunity to witness processes, timescales and supply mechanisms first hand. An amazing opportunity for a volcano researcher.”

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Iceland volcano 2024: Is it safe to travel and is the eruption affecting flights?

A volcano in Iceland has erupted for the fifth time in three months.

Lava can be seen spilling from the Sundhnúkur crater row. It began in the early afternoon today, 29 May, and it is ongoing.

Visitors have been evacuated from the Blue Lagoon thermal spa, one of Iceland’s top tourist attractions, and it remains closed.

The eruption site is a few kilometres northeast of Grindavik, a coastal town of 3,800 people about 50 kilometres southwest of Iceland’s capital, Reykjavik. Grindavik has been evacuated and the roads around it are closed.

Despite lying just 20 km north of the eruption site, Keflavik International Airport - Iceland's main international airport - remains open and flights are still arriving and departing. However the airport advised passengers to "monitor flight information".

If you are planning on travelling to or from the affected area, here are the full details on advice from European governments and airlines.

How long will Iceland's volcano eruption last?

Iceland’s Meteorological Office says "Intense seismic activity is ongoing on the Sundhnúkur crater row.

A magma propagation might be starting or has started, and a volcanic eruption could follow."

The Met Office says lava is shooting about 50 metres into the sky from a fissure about 3.5 kilometres long.

The Grindavik community was previously evacuated in November following a series of earthquakes that opened large cracks in the earth between the town and Sýlingarfell, a small mountain to the north.

Before the recent eruptions, the Svartsengi volcanic system north of Grindavik had been dormant for around 780 years. The volcano is just a few kilometres west of Fagradalsfjall, which was dormant for 6,000 years before flaring to life in March 2021.

Iceland's volcano eruption 'is not a tourist attraction'

During a recent eruption, Icelandic authorities declared a state of emergency after hundreds of small earthquakes shook the Reykjanes Peninsula - the island nation’s most populated region.

“This is not a tourist attraction and you must watch it from a great distance," Vidir Reynisson, head of Iceland’s Civil Protection and Emergency Management, told national broadcaster RUV.

Yet the spectacular natural phenomenon is hard for people to resist. “It’s just [like] something from a movie!” said Robert Donald Forrester III, a tourist from the United States.

For local residents, the emotions were mixed. “The town involved might end up under the lava,” said Ael Kermarec, a French tour guide living in Iceland. "It’s amazing to see but, there's kind of a bittersweet feeling at the moment.”

Watch: hissing fissures and gaping cracks in abandoned town over fears volcano could erupt

Lava hotlines and captivating infernos: Inside the volatile world of volcano tourism in Iceland

Have flights to Iceland been cancelled?

Despite concerns over the impact the  eruption will have on travel, nearby Keflavik Airport remains operational. Icelandic airport operator ISAVIA advises passengers to monitor flight information here .

Volcanic eruptions can pose a serious hazard to air travel as ash released into the atmosphere can cause jet engines to fail, damage flight control systems and reduce visibility.

However, the airport has said they were used to volcanic activity and well-prepared to deal with it without needing to close the airport.

Iceland's Civil Protection and Emergency Management say, "Iceland is no stranger to volcanic activity and experiences an average volcanic event every five years.

Icelandic authorities and the public are highly prepared for such events, and Iceland has one of the world’s most effective volcanic preparedness measures.

Iceland’s geoscientists possess vast experience in dealing with volcanic activities."

A major eruption in Iceland in April 2010 caused widespread disruption to air travel between Europe and North America. The quarter of a billion cubic metres of volcanic ash it ejected into the air led to more than 100,000 flights being cancelled over an eight-day period.

Though there had been fears of a repeat, Eyjafjallajokull volcano erupted under circumstances that contributed to the immense size of its ash cloud. A glacier on top of it caused meltwater to rapidly cool the lava, creating tiny particles which were launched into the air by the steam produced in the eruption. These were then carried on the wind towards Europe.

In the past three years, three eruptions have taken place on the Reykjanes Peninsula with no impact on air travel.

The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) is also better prepared for a major volcanic ash event.

"In the event of an eruption and development of an ash cloud, the agency will work with other aviation actors to assess the impact for aviation and make recommendations accordingly," a statement on the EASA's website from November reads.

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Is it safe to travel to Iceland?

Travellers are advised to stay away from Grindavik and respect local restrictions. Visit the Icelandic Met Office and Safe Travel Iceland for the latest advice.

Otherwise, Iceland is currently a safe destination.

Keflavik International Airport and the road to it is unaffected and operating normally.

Countries have not issued a ‘no-go’ travel warning for Iceland meaning that airlines and holiday companies are operating as normal and travellers who cancel their bookings have no automatic right to a refund.

During a previous eruption Jonathan Frankham, general manager of travel insurance company World Nomads, said: “For those concerned about travel insurance coverage, and whether cancelling a trip is best, we’d advise travellers to exercise common sense and travel wisely," says

"It’s important to note that policies purchased after the earthquakes and consequential volcanic eruption became a 'known event' are unlikely to be covered, but we recommend checking your policy wording for exact details."

He advised tourists to contact their airline or travel provider for assistance and the latest information.

Iceland's Blue Lagoon spa closes temporarily as earthquakes put area on alert for volcanic eruption

Is the Blue Lagoon open?

The Blue Lagoon geothermal spa - one of Iceland’s biggest tourist attractions - was evacuated when the volcanic eruption began.

The spa is still closed, according to the official website , and will remain closed until 31 May.

It says: "Due to a volcanic eruption that commenced in Sundhnúksgígar on May 29, we took the precautionary measure of evacuating and temporarily close all our operational units today.

Further updates and information will be provided here as they become available."

Blue Lagoon management said that all customers with bookings would be contacted, and anyone wishing to change or cancel their booking can do so on the official website.

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Iceland's volcano eruptions may last decades

The beginning of a long, disruptive volcanic episode near iceland's capital.

Iceland's ongoing volcanic eruptions may continue on and off for years to decades, threatening the country's most densely populated region and vital infrastructure, researchers predict from local earthquake and geochemical data.

The eruptions on the Reykjanes Peninsula have forced authorities to declare a state of emergency, with a series of eight eruptions having occurred since 2021. This southwestern region is home to 70 percent of the country's population, its only international airport, and several geothermal power plants that supply hot water and electricity. The most recent eruption in May through June triggered the evacuation of residents and visitors of the Blue Lagoon geothermal spa, a popular tourist attraction, for the third time in more than two months.

Although Iceland sees regular eruptions because it sits above a volcanic hot spot, the Reykjanes Peninsula has been dormant for 800 years. Its last volcanic era continued over centuries however, prompting scientists to predict the renewed volcanism to be the start of a long episode.

Under an hour's drive from the island's capital city Reykjavík, the eruptions pose considerable risks for economic disruption, and they leave evacuated communities uncertain of a possible return.

An international team of scientists has been watching the volcanoes over the past three years. Analyzing seismic tomography imaging and the composition of lava samples, they've uncovered parts of the geological processes behind the new volcanic era. They predict the region may have to prepare for recurring eruptions lasting years to decades and possibly centuries.

The researchers report their findings in a paper published June 26 in the journal Terra Nova . The project included collaborations from the University of Oregon, Uppsala University in Sweden, University of Iceland, Czech Academy of Sciences and University of California, San Diego. The work follows an earlier Nature Communications study of the initial Reykjanes eruptions in 2021.

Almost all of Iceland's island is built from lava, said Ilya Bindeman, a volcanologist and earth sciences professor at the UO. The country sits on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, the tectonic plate boundary that causes North America and Eurasia to push further apart. The drifting of these plates can spark volcanic eruptions when hot rock from the earth's mantle -- the middle and largest layer of the planet -- melts and rises to the surface.

Although scientists know the origin of Reykjanes Peninsula's current eruptions is plate movement, the kind of magma storage and plumbing systems that feed them are unidentified, Bindeman said. The peninsula consists of eight volcanically active sites, so understanding whether there is one shared magma source or multiple independent ones and their depth can help predict the duration and impact of these eruptions.

Using geochemical and seismic data, the researchers investigated whether the magma of the initial eruptions from one volcano in the peninsula from 2021 to 2023 came from the same source as the magma in the recent eruptions of a different volcano to the west.

Bindeman specializes in isotopic analysis, which can help identify the "fingerprint" of magma. Magma is made of mostly eight elements, including oxygen and hydrogen, and 50 different trace elements in smaller concentrations and various ratios. The unique combination of trace elements can help differentiate magma sources from one another. Scientists can also measure the abundance of isotopes, elements with the same chemical property but different masses, in the magma. There are three different isotopes of oxygen, for example, Bindeman said.

"In the air we breathe, there's a mixture of these oxygen isotopes and we don't feel the difference," he said. "Their differences are usually not important for chemical reactions but are important to recognize as their relative abundances in magma can differentiate one magma source from another."

Analyzing samples of lava rock from two different volcanoes in the peninsula, their similar fingerprints implied a shared magma storage zone below the peninsula. Imaging of earth's interior based on local earthquakes also suggested the existence of a reservoir about 5.5 to 7.5 miles in the earth's crust, the shallowest layer.

However, that storage is ultimately fed by the melting rock deeper in the mantle, which can cause eruptions that last decades, with hundreds of square miles of magma surfacing, Bindeman said. Iceland's hotspot also will have no problem fountaining that flow, he said.

Although this marks the beginning of potentially persistent volcanic episodes in Iceland, the researchers can't precisely predict yet how long the episodes and the gaps between each will last.

"Nature is never regular," Bindeman said. "We don't know how long and how frequently it will continue for the next ten or even hundred years. A pattern will emerge, but nature always has exceptions and irregularities."

Discussions are continuing on plans to safely drill into the volcanic sites to glean insights into the geological processes driving the eruptions.

Because the volcanic activity is less volatile and explosive than eruptions in other countries, it provides a rare opportunity for scientists to approach fissures actively erupting lava, Bindeman said. He called it a "natural laboratory" both astonishing and chilling.

"When you witness a volcanic eruption, you can feel that these are the massive forces of nature, and you yourself are very small," Bindeman said. "These events are ordinary from the geological scale, but from the human scale, they can be devastating."

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Story Source:

Materials provided by University of Oregon . Original written by Leila Okahata. Note: Content may be edited for style and length.

Related Multimedia :

• Fagradalsfjall eruption

Journal Reference :

• Valentin R. Troll, Frances M. Deegan, Thor Thordarson, Ari Tryggvason, Lukáš Krmíček, William M. Moreland, Björn Lund, Ilya N. Bindeman, Ármann Höskuldsson, James M. D. Day. The Fagradalsfjall and Sundhnúkur Fires of 2021–2024: A single magma reservoir under the Reykjanes Peninsula, Iceland? Terra Nova , 2024; DOI: 10.1111/ter.12733

Cite This Page :

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Iceland’s reykjanes volcanoes could erupt for decades, maybe even centuries.

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Hikers look at the lava flowing from the erupting Fagradalsfjall volcano near Reykjavik, Iceland, on ... [+] March 21, 2021.

The ongoing eruptions on the Reykjanes Peninsula have forced authorities to declare a state of emergency repeatedly, and based on new data, it seems possible that volcanic activity will continue for years to decades and possibly centuries.

This Reykjanes Peninsula is home to 70 percent of the country's population with the largest city of Reykjavik — also Iceland's capital — located on the southern shores. It hosts important cultural sites, infrastructure — including the country's only international airport -— and industrial areas, including several power plants that supply hot water and electricity. The most recent eruption from May through June triggered the evacuation of residents and visitors from the Blue Lagoon , an artificial lake feed by a geothermal power and popular tourist attraction, for the third time in more than two months.

Although the Reykjanes Peninsula hosts a series of volcanoes that have been periodically active over the last 4,000 years, they have been dormant for over 800 years. So the first eruption in March 2021 came as something of a surprise , quickly attracting scientists and tourists. Since then eight eruptions of varying intensity have occurred on the Reykjanes Peninsula, with lava spewing out of fissures and slowly making its way to the coastal town of Grindavík .

An international team of scientists — including researchers from the University of Oregon, Uppsala University in Sweden, University of Iceland, Czech Academy of Sciences and University of California, San Diego — has been watching the volcanoes over the past three years. Analyzing seismic imaging and the composition of lava samples, they've uncovered parts of the geological processes behind the new volcanic activity.

Almost all of Iceland's island is built from lava, says Ilya Bindeman , a volcanologist and earth sciences professor at the University of Oregon. The country sits on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, the tectonic plate boundary that causes North America and Eurasia to push further apart. Additionally a large plume of hot rocks rising from earth's mantle is located exactly beneath the island.

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Although scientists know the deep origin of Reykjanes Peninsula's current eruptions, the kind of superficial magma storage and plumbing systems that feed them are poorly known, so Bindeman. The peninsula consists of eight volcanically active sites, so understanding whether there is one shared magma source or multiple independent ones and their depth can help predict the duration and impact of these eruptions.

Analyzing samples of lava rock from two different eruption sites, their similar chemical fingerprints implied a shared magma storage zone below the peninsula. Imaging of Earth's interior based on earthquake waves also suggests the existence of a single 10-kilometer-wide magma chamber about 9 to 11 kilometers in Earth's crust. Based on seismic activity records covering the area, the researchers estimate that fresh magma was injected in this chamber sometime between 2002 to 2020.

However, this temporary storage is ultimately fed by pulses of melting rocks deeper in the mantle — a virtually inexhaustible reservoir — which can cause eruptions that last decades, Bindeman explains.

Although this marks the beginning of potentially persistent volcanic episodes in Iceland, the researchers can't precisely predict yet how long the episodes and the gaps between each will last.

"Nature is never regular," so Bindeman. "We don't know how long and how frequently it will continue for the next ten or even hundred years. A pattern will emerge, but nature always has exceptions and irregularities."

The last time a volcano erupted on the Reykjanes Peninsula the volcanic activity continued for over 30 years.

Iceland's volcanic activity is less volatile and explosive than eruptions in other countries, and so far, the advancing lava buried only pastures, damaging roads and power lines. In May 2024 over 3,000 residents of Grindavik and nearby settlements were evacuated for a month as one of the most powerful eruptions to date started. An advancing lava flow is almost impossible to stop if not the supply at the source — the volcanic vent — is cut off.

"When you witness a volcanic eruption, you can feel that these are the massive forces of nature, and you yourself are very small. These events are ordinary on the geological scale, but on the human scale, they can be devastating," Bindeman concludes.

The full research paper " The Fagradalsfjall and Sundhnúkur Fires of 2021-2024: a single magma reservoir under the Reykjanes Peninsula, Iceland? " was published in the journal Terra Nova and can be found online here .

Additional material and interviews provided by the University of Oregon.

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Red-hot lava from iceland volcano smothers major road: video.

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GRINDAVIK, Iceland – Videos recorded from the ground and the air show a surge of thick lava from a volcano that erupted in Iceland in May, covering a road that leads to and from the evacuated town of Grindavík.

The incredible videos, recorded by Marco Di Marco, show the red-hot lava slowly creeping over Grindavikurvegur, which remains closed due to the eruption and lava flow.

The Icelandic Meteorological Office  (IMO) said this is the third time lava has flowed over the road since the series of eruptions began at the end of 2023.

The IMO said lava is continuing to surge forward to the northwest along a similar channel to the one that flowed over the road on Saturday. However, the flow is still a few hundred meters away from the road and moving very slowly.

The office also warned that lava is still accumulating southeast of the volcano and could move into the area in the next few days.

Aerial video shot from above the area shows just how massive the lava flow is.

When the video begins, it moves closer to the lava over the road, and you can see two small dots.

If you look closer, you can see that those dots are actually people. The video gets even closer, and you can see just how small those people are when compared to the molten rock that lies just ahead.

The video also shows work being done to build protective walls around the area in an attempt to keep the lava from flowing even closer to Grindavík.

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There is some good news for anyone with plans to travel to Iceland. The popular tourist destination Blue Lagoon, which was forced to close and evacuate visitors several times, is back open for business.

According to information on its website, the eruption is a safe distance from the facility, but it may take a bit longer to arrive.

“Our primary access road has been damaged by lava flows, requiring visitors to use a temporary alternative route to reach our site,”  Blue Lagoon said on its website .

Any guests with reservations at Blue Lagoon will need to present a booking confirmation at the entry point in order to access the facility.

Some information in this story was translated via Google Translate.

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June 26, 2024

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Iceland's volcano eruptions may last decades, researchers find

by University of Oregon

Iceland's ongoing volcanic eruptions may continue on and off for years to decades, threatening the country's most densely populated region and vital infrastructure, researchers predict from local earthquake and geochemical data.

The eruptions on the Reykjanes Peninsula have forced authorities to declare a state of emergency, with a series of eight eruptions having occurred since 2021. This southwestern region is home to 70% of the country's population, its only international airport, and several geothermal power plants that supply hot water and electricity. The most recent eruption from May through June triggered the evacuation of residents and visitors from the Blue Lagoon geothermal spa, a popular tourist attraction, for the third time in more than two months.

Although Iceland sees regular eruptions because it sits above a volcanic hot spot, the Reykjanes Peninsula has been dormant for 800 years. Its last volcanic era continued over centuries , however, prompting scientists to predict the renewed volcanism to be the start of a long episode.

Under an hour's drive from the island's capital city Reykjavík, the eruptions pose considerable risks for economic disruption, and they leave evacuated communities uncertain of a possible return.

An international team of scientists has been watching the volcanoes over the past three years. Analyzing seismic tomography imaging and the composition of lava samples, they've uncovered parts of the geological processes behind the new volcanic era. They predict the region may have to prepare for recurring eruptions lasting years to decades and possibly centuries.

The researchers report their findings in a paper published June 26 in the journal Terra Nova . The project included collaborations from the University of Oregon, Uppsala University in Sweden, University of Iceland, Czech Academy of Sciences and University of California, San Diego. The work follows an earlier study in Nature Communications of the initial Reykjanes eruptions in 2021.

Almost all of Iceland's island is built from lava, said Ilya Bindeman, a volcanologist and earth sciences professor at the UO. The country sits on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, the tectonic plate boundary that causes North America and Eurasia to push further apart. The drifting of these plates can spark volcanic eruptions when hot rock from the earth's mantle—the middle and largest layer of the planet—melts and rises to the surface.

Although scientists know the origin of Reykjanes Peninsula's current eruptions is plate movement, the kind of magma storage and plumbing systems that feed them are unidentified, Bindeman said. The peninsula consists of eight volcanically active sites, so understanding whether there is one shared magma source or multiple independent ones and their depth can help predict the duration and impact of these eruptions.

Using geochemical and seismic data, the researchers investigated whether the magma of the initial eruptions from one volcano in the peninsula from 2021 to 2023 came from the same source as the magma in the recent eruptions of a different volcano to the west.

Bindeman specializes in isotopic analysis, which can help identify the "fingerprint" of magma. Magma is made of mostly eight elements, including oxygen and hydrogen, and 50 different trace elements in smaller concentrations and various ratios. The unique combination of trace elements can help differentiate magma sources from one another. Scientists can also measure the abundance of isotopes, elements with the same chemical properties but different masses, in the magma. There are three different isotopes of oxygen, for example, Bindeman said.

"In the air we breathe, there's a mixture of these oxygen isotopes and we don't feel the difference," he said. "Their differences are usually not important for chemical reactions but are important to recognize as their relative abundances in magma can differentiate one magma source from another."

Analyzing samples of lava rock from two different volcanoes on the peninsula, their similar fingerprints implied a shared magma storage zone below the peninsula. Imaging of Earth's interior based on local earthquakes also suggested the existence of a reservoir about 5.5 to 7.5 miles in Earth's crust, the shallowest layer.

However, that storage is ultimately fed by the melting rock deeper in the mantle, which can cause eruptions that last decades, with hundreds of square miles of magma surfacing, Bindeman said. Iceland's hotspot also will have no problem fountaining that flow, he said.

Although this marks the beginning of potentially persistent volcanic episodes in Iceland, the researchers can't precisely predict yet how long the episodes and the gaps between each will last.

"Nature is never regular," Bindeman said. "We don't know how long and how frequently it will continue for the next ten or even hundred years. A pattern will emerge, but nature always has exceptions and irregularities."

Discussions are continuing on plans to safely drill into the volcanic sites to glean insights into the geological processes driving the eruptions.

Because the volcanic activity is less volatile and explosive than eruptions in other countries, it provides a rare opportunity for scientists to approach fissures actively erupting lava, Bindeman said. He called it a "natural laboratory," both astonishing and chilling.

"When you witness a volcanic eruption, you can feel that these are the massive forces of nature, and you yourself are very small," Bindeman said. "These events are ordinary on the geological scale, but on the human scale, they can be devastating."

Journal information: Nature Communications

Provided by University of Oregon

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Passing Thru Travel

Exploring Iceland’s Majestic 15 – A Guide to the Land of Fire and Ice

Posted: April 23, 2024 | Last updated: April 23, 2024

Iceland, a land of fire and ice, offers some of the most spectacular natural wonders on the planet. From the dancing Northern Lights to the vast expanses of untouched wilderness, this island nation invites travelers to explore its unique landscapes that combine volcanic activity, glacial power, and the relentless forces of water and wind. This guide presents fifteen of Iceland’s most breathtaking destinations, providing insights into each location’s beauty and majesty. Whether you’re soaking in a geothermal hot spring, trekking across a glacier, or witnessing the raw power of a waterfall, Iceland promises an unforgettable journey into the heart of nature’s artistry.

1. The Blue Lagoon

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Alla Laurent

The Blue Lagoon is one of Iceland’s most iconic destinations. It is renowned for its milky-blue geothermal waters against a stark lava field. Rich in minerals like silica and sulfur, the lagoon’s warm waters are believed to have healing properties, offering a unique spa experience. The Blue Lagoon is not just a natural wonder but also a feat of sustainability, utilizing the geothermal power that epitomizes Iceland’s innovative approach to nature.

2. Gullfoss Waterfall

Image Credit: Shutterstock / lenggirl

Gullfoss, or “Golden Falls,” is a stunning waterfall in the canyon of the Hvítá River in southwest Iceland. Part of the famous Golden Circle route, Gullfoss is known for its immense power and beauty, cascading down in two stages into a deep crevice hidden from view, creating an awe-inspiring spectacle. The waterfall’s surrounding landscapes are equally breathtaking, offering panoramic views of Iceland’s rugged terrain.

3. Þingvellir National Park

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Parilov

Þingvellir (Thingvellir) National Park is a site of geological, historical, and cultural significance. It lies in a rift valley where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates are pulling apart, offering a visible demonstration of continental drift. Þingvellir is also the site of Iceland’s first Parliament, making it a UNESCO World Heritage site that marries natural beauty with deep historical roots.

4. The Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis)

Image Credit: Shutterstock / solarseven

The Northern Lights, or Aurora Borealis, are one of nature’s most spectacular displays, and Iceland offers some of the best viewing opportunities in the world. This natural phenomenon occurs when solar particles interact with the Earth’s magnetic field, creating vibrant colors that dance across the night sky. The experience of watching the Northern Lights in Iceland’s vast, unspoiled landscapes is truly unforgettable.

5. Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Max Topchii

Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon is a breathtaking natural wonder on Iceland’s southeast coast, where icebergs from the surrounding Breiðamerkurjökull Glacier float in a stunning lagoon before drifting out to sea. The lagoon offers an ever-changing landscape of ice, with hues ranging from deep blue to crystal clear, set against the backdrop of Iceland’s dramatic coastal scenery.

6. Vatnajökull National Park

Image Credit: Shutterstock / kovop

Vatnajökull National Park, named after Europe’s largest glacier, Vatnajökull, encompasses a vast area of Iceland’s southeast. The park is a realm of contrast, featuring everything from ice caves and glacier lagoons to volcanic sites and rugged mountain peaks. It offers unparalleled opportunities for adventure and exploration, highlighting the dynamic forces that shape Iceland’s landscapes.

7. Mývatn Nature Baths

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Puripat Lertpunyaroj

The Mývatn Nature Baths, located in the north of Iceland, offer a more secluded alternative to the Blue Lagoon. These geothermal baths are set amidst a landscape of volcanic rock, providing a tranquil setting to relax and enjoy Iceland’s geothermal activity. Rich in minerals, the warm waters of the baths are both soothing and healing, offering a peaceful retreat in the heart of Iceland’s volcanic north.

8. Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach

Reynisfjara, near the village of Vík in southern Iceland, is famed for its striking black sand, towering basalt columns, and the powerful waves of the North Atlantic Ocean. The beach offers a dramatic landscape that is both beautiful and a reminder of nature’s power. The nearby Reynisdrangar sea stacks add to the mystical atmosphere of the beach, making it a must-visit for photographers and nature lovers alike.

9. Landmannalaugar

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Mladen Mitrinovic

Landmannalaugar, situated in the Fjallabak Nature Reserve in the highlands of Iceland, is renowned for its rhyolite mountains, whose colors range from pink to green to yellow. The area offers some of Iceland’s best hiking, with routes leading through lava fields, around colorful mountains, and past geothermal hot springs where hikers can take a soothing dip.

10. Skógafoss Waterfall

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Slyrritus

One of Iceland’s largest and most picturesque waterfalls, Skógafoss has water plummeting 60 meters over a wide cliff, creating a thunderous roar and often a rainbow in its mist. Located on the Skógá River along the country’s southern coast, the waterfall is easily accessible and offers stunning views both from its base and from a vantage point at the top of a steep staircase.

11. Snæfellsjökull National Park

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Monkey Business Images

Snæfellsjökull National Park, located on the western tip of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, is dominated by the Snæfellsjökull glacier, which covers a dormant volcano. The park has stunning natural beauty and diverse landscapes, including lava fields, craggy cliffs, and black sand beaches. It’s also steeped in folklore and said to be one of the Earth’s seven major energy centers, attracting those interested in the mystical and natural.

12. Dettifoss Waterfall

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Thomas Lusth

Dettifoss, located in Vatnajökull National Park in Northeast Iceland, is reputed to be the most powerful waterfall in Europe. The waterfall’s sheer force and the volume of water cascading down into the Jökulsárgljúfur canyon make it a breathtaking sight. The surrounding landscape, characterized by rugged terrain and the stark beauty of the Icelandic highlands, adds to the waterfall’s dramatic appeal.

13. Askja Caldera

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Uhryn Larysa

The Askja Caldera, located in the remote central highlands of Iceland, is a stark and otherworldly landscape that offers a glimpse into the volcanic forces that shape the island. The caldera is part of the larger Dyngjufjöll mountain range. It contains several volcanic craters, including the striking Víti crater, which holds a geothermal lake of milky blue water.

14. Húsavík

Image Credit: Shutterstock / S. Birkelbach

Húsavík, often called the whale-watching capital of Iceland, is a charming town on the north coast. The town’s waters are rich in marine life, making it one of the best places in Europe to observe whales in their natural habitat. Species commonly seen include humpback, minke, and sometimes even blue whales. The town also hosts the Whale Museum, adding an educational component to the whale-watching experience.

15. Rauðisandur Beach

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Ed Little

Located in the Westfjords, Rauðisandur Beach is a stunning expanse of reddish-gold sand that stretches for kilometers along the coast. Unlike Iceland’s more famous black sand beaches, Rauðisandur’s unique coloration and remote setting offer a different beach experience, set against the dramatic backdrop of the Westfjords’ cliffs and mountains. The beach’s tranquility and natural beauty make it a perfect spot for those looking to escape the more touristy areas of Iceland.

The Bottom Line

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Izabela Magier

Iceland’s natural wonders offer an unparalleled journey into the forces that shape our planet. From the soothing warmth of geothermal baths to the awe-inspiring power of waterfalls and volcanoes, each destination provides a unique window into the beauty and majesty of the natural world. Whether you’re basking in the midnight sun or gazing up at the Northern Lights, Iceland promises an experience that will resonate with you long after you’ve returned home. So pack your bags, embrace the spirit of exploration, and prepare to be transformed by the land of fire and ice.

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Iceland’s volcano eruptions may last decades, researchers find.

Iceland’s ongoing volcanic eruptions may continue on and off for years to decades, threatening the country’s most densely populated region and vital infrastructure, researchers predict from local earthquake and geochemical data. 

The eruptions on the Reykjanes Peninsula have forced authorities to declare a state of emergency, with a series of eight eruptions having occurred since 2021 . This southwestern region is home to 70 percent of the country’s population, its only international airport, and several geothermal power plants that supply hot water and electricity. The most recent eruption in May through June triggered the evacuation of residents and visitors of the Blue Lagoon geothermal spa , a popular tourist attraction, for the third time in more than two months.

Although Iceland sees regular eruptions because it sits above a volcanic hot spot, the Reykjanes Peninsula has been dormant for 800 years. Its last volcanic era continued over centuries however, prompting scientists to predict the renewed volcanism to be the start of a long episode. 

Under an hour’s drive from the island’s capital city Reykjavík, the eruptions pose considerable risks for economic disruption, and they leave evacuated communities uncertain of a possible return.

An international team of scientists has been watching the volcanoes over the past three years. Analyzing seismic tomography imaging and the composition of lava samples, they’ve uncovered parts of the geological processes behind the new volcanic era. They predict the region may have to prepare for recurring eruptions lasting years to decades and possibly centuries. 

The researchers report their findings in a paper published June 26 in the journal Terra Nova . The project included collaborations from the University of Oregon, Uppsala University in Sweden, University of Iceland, Czech Academy of Sciences and University of California, San Diego. The work follows an earlier Nature Communications study of the initial Reykjanes eruptions in 2021.

(Top Photo) Scientists collecting volcanic rock during the July 2023 Fagradalsfjall eruption. (Bottom Photos) The progression of the 2021 Fagradalsfjall eruption. 

Almost all of Iceland’s island is built from lava, said Ilya Bindeman , a volcanologist and earth sciences professor at the UO . The country sits on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, the tectonic plate boundary that causes North America and Eurasia to push further apart. The drifting of these plates can spark volcanic eruptions when hot rock from the earth’s mantle — the middle and largest layer of the planet — melts and rises to the surface.

Although scientists know the origin of Reykjanes Peninsula’s current eruptions is plate movement, the kind of magma storage and plumbing systems that feed them are unidentified, Bindeman said. The peninsula consists of eight volcanically active sites, so understanding whether there is one shared magma source or multiple independent ones and their depth can help predict the duration and impact of these eruptions.

Using geochemical and seismic data, the researchers investigated whether the magma of the initial eruptions from one volcano in the peninsula from 2021 to 2023 came from the same source as the magma in the recent eruptions of a different volcano to the west. 

Bindeman specializes in isotopic analysis , which can help identify the “fingerprint” of magma. (See Focus on Equipment and Methodology below.) The unique combination of trace elements can help differentiate one magma source from another.

Lava from the January 2024 Sundhnúkur eruption reaching the outskirts of the town of Grindavik. Photographed in April 2024.

Analyzing samples of lava rock from two different volcanoes in the peninsula, their similar fingerprints implied a shared magma storage zone below the peninsula. Imaging of earth’s interior based on local earthquakes also suggested the existence of a reservoir about 5.5 to 7.5 miles in the earth’s crust, the shallowest layer.

Although this marks the beginning of potentially persistent volcanic episodes in Iceland, the researchers can’t precisely predict yet how long the episodes and the gaps between each will last.

“Nature is never regular,” Bindeman said. “We don't know how long and how frequently it will continue for the next ten or even hundred years. A pattern will emerge, but nature always has exceptions and irregularities.”

Discussions are continuing on plans to safely drill into the volcanic sites to glean insights into the geological processes driving the eruptions. 

Because the volcanic activity is less volatile and explosive than eruptions in other countries , it provides a rare opportunity for scientists to approach fissures actively erupting lava, Bindeman said. He called it a “natural laboratory” both astonishing and chilling.

“When you witness a volcanic eruption, you can feel that these are the massive forces of nature, and you yourself are very small,” Bindeman said. “These events are ordinary from the geological scale, but from the human scale, they can be devastating.”

— Story by Leila Okahata — Volcano photos and videos courtesy of Valentin Troll, Uppsala University — Lab photos and videos by Charlie Litchfield and Nicolas Walcott — Layout design by Tim Beltran and Paul Kozik

Focus on Equipment and Methodology

Scientists can measure the abundance of isotopes, elements with the same chemical property but different masses, in magma to identify its "fingerprint". There are three different isotopes of oxygen, for example.

“In the air we breathe, there's a mixture of these oxygen isotopes and we don't feel the difference,” Bindeman said. “Their differences are usually not important for chemical reactions but are important to recognize as their relative abundances in magma can differentiate one magma source from another.”

Using an apparatus called a laser fluorination line , scientists can extract and measure the oxygen isotopes in minerals. The unique abundance of oxygen isotopes can serve as identification between different magma sources.