A subsurface magma release began today near the Icelandic capital, though it has not yet reached the surface to cause a full volcanic eruption, according to the country’s meteorological office, as hundreds of small earthquakes were recorded in the area.
“Warning: magma eruption has begun,” the meteorological office stated. “So far, no magma has reached the surface, but an eruption is likely,” it added.
Authorities evacuated a town and the Blue Lagoon spa in southwestern Iceland on Tuesday as a volcano threatened to erupt for the eighth time (via AP) https://t.co/h9XRWWQzd8
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The nearby luxury spa Blue Lagoon is being evacuated, as is the fishing town of Grindavík, where approximately 40 houses are currently inhabited, Icelandic public broadcaster RUV reported, citing local police.
Known as the “land of ice and fire,” the North Atlantic island nation is home to numerous glaciers and volcanoes. Since 2021, the area south of Reykjavík has experienced ten volcanic eruptions, and today’s magma buildup could potentially result in the eleventh eruption in the region.
So far, volcanic eruptions on the Reykjanes Peninsula have not directly affected the capital nor have they released significant volcanic ash into the stratosphere that could disrupt air traffic.
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