What is going on in Iceland?

The nature of eruptions in Iceland is diverse, from small effusive eruptions where lava flows quietly from fissures and crater rows to significant explosive eruptions in ice-covered central volcanos that produce large ash plumes—literally where fire meets ice.
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The reason for Iceland's intense volcanic activity is the country's geological position, where dynamic geological forces are at work between the spreading plate boundary on the Mid-Atlantic Ocean ridge and a powerful mantle plume creating a hot spot on the surface. Together, they produce large amounts of magma, filling the gaps in the crust made by the spreading plates, resulting in frequent eruptions along the rift zone.

The Reykjanes Eruptions (2021 - )

A new fissure eruption started on the Reykjanes Peninsula by Mt. Stóra-Skógfell on Thursday, February 8th at 6:06 AM. Since early February 9, the eruption has subsided significantly and there has been no visible activity since 8 AM that day. This marks the third eruption in the area since December 2023.

On average, a volcano erupts in Iceland erupts every five years. Since 2021, however, the frequency has been closer to every 12 months. The area broadly known as Fagradalsfjall in Reykjanes UNESCO Global Geopark, some 35km from the capital Reykjavík, flared to life after a series of earthquakes on the Reykjanes Peninsula. The three eruptions - some consider one single eruption with months-long pauses - mark the beginning of a new geological era on the southwestern peninsula, which has been dormant for the past 800 years. 

Unlike most volcanic eruptions - occurring on the interior highlands, the lava hidden under ice and/or with lethal volumes of volcanic gases - Fagradalsfjall was the ideal 'tourist volcano': Small in relative terms and accessible for all levels of fitness. 

The last eruption at Fagradalsfjall ended in August 2023, but the site still remains a major attraction. The thick, black crust of lava paves the landscape with crumbling craters and steam.

Key takeaways

• Air traffic to and from Iceland is operating normally, and Iceland remains a safe destination.
• The eruption's effects are localized at the eruption site with road closures and do not threaten people.  
• All services in Iceland are operating as usual.  

For more information please visit updated websites of Visit Reykjanes (www.visitreykjanes.is/en/volcano-eruption/eruption-information) and Visit Iceland (www.visiticeland.com/eruption/).