Another volcanic eruption has shaken Iceland’s southern peninsula. On August 22, fissures opened up, releasing lava and hurling gas clouds over a kilometer into the air.
The eruption occurred in the Sundhnúkur area, known for its volcanic craters, whose 2,500-year dormancy ended last year. In November, residents of the nearby town of Grindavik had to be evacuated when a series of earthquakes and fissures rocked the region, leading to a series of eruptions. The most recent and largest eruption to date began in late May and lasted for several weeks.
On August 23, the Icelandic Meteorological Office said the eruption’s intensity had decreased “somewhat” since the previous day and was now limited to two fissures. Seismic activity had also decreased, but the IMO said deformation of the ground north of Stóra-Skógfell showed that the eruption had “not yet reached equilibrium.”
So far, no lava has been seen heading towards Grindavik, and authorities have not reported any deaths or injuries. A statement on the website of Iceland’s largest airport, Keflavik, said the volcanic activity was not affecting air traffic. (In 2010, an eruption in Iceland produced a massive ash cloud that paralyzed air traffic across much of Europe for seven days, affecting millions of people and causing major economic losses.)
In February, fresh lava poured onto the white snow, creating dramatic contrasts captured in aerial photographs.
