Tectonic Activity in Reykjanes: A Natural Laboratory in Motion

The recent volcanic eruptions and tectonic movements on the Reykjanes Peninsula—particularly around the Sundhnúkur crater row near Grindavík—are part of a broader geological episode that geophysicists consider both expected and historically grounded. According to Professor Magnús Tumi Guðmundsson, a leading Icelandic geophysicist, this period of activity closely resembles the Krafla Fires of 1975–1984 in North Iceland, during which significant rifting and lava eruptions occurred intermittently over nearly a decade.

What we are witnessing in Reykjanes is a classic example of plate boundary behaviour in action: the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates are gradually pulling apart, creating cracks, fissures, and occasional volcanic eruptions as magma rises to the surface. In this case, horizontal extension—or rifting—has already resulted in nearly eight metres of movement in parts of the region over the past few years.

While the visible effects near Grindavík have understandably drawn attention due to their proximity to infrastructure, these geological events are not unexpected. Iceland’s location on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge means that such activity is part of a long-term and natural process. In fact, these events are considered by experts to be a “leak” of energy from a larger tectonic system—one that has remained mostly dormant for centuries. The last comparable cycle on this part of the Reykjanes Peninsula may have occurred over 800 years ago.

Importantly, this recent surge in activity is expected to taper off. As Professor Guðmundsson explains, the region may now enter a quiet phase lasting decades or even longer, with the most significant plate movements likely behind us for now.

For international students and educators, this makes Reykjanes UNESCO Global Geopark not only a safe destination but also a uniquely dynamic classroom. It offers an extraordinary opportunity to witness and study Earth systems in real time, from plate tectonics and geothermal energy to hazard mitigation and climate science. Iceland’s scientific community maintains continuous monitoring, and the infrastructure around Grindavík and the surrounding areas is managed with safety and preparedness in mind.

In short, the situation is not a crisis—it is Earth science in motion.

Hagafell fissure and Sundhnukur Crater Row seen from drone