Southwest Iceland is experiencing a “swarm” of seismic activity, with more than 20,000 earthquakes recorded since February 24, according to the Icelandic Meteorological Office. The office said that the magma’s movements are probably the cause of the current wave on the Reykjanes Peninsula, heightening fears of a volcanic eruption.
There have been more than 3,100 earthquakes on the peninsula in the past 48 hours, according to the office. At least 63 of them had a magnitude of 3 or greater. A magnitude 3 earthquake can be felt, but it rarely causes damage; As the number increases, earthquakes become more dangerous.
Similar explosions of seismic activity in the country have already caused volcanic eruptions, the office said.
The aviation color code for the Reykjanes Peninsula is at an orange level, which means that there is “greater unrest” and “more likely to erupt”, according to the office.
The Icelandic government said on its website on Thursday that there was a pulse of volcanic tremor near Mt. Keilir, who is on the peninsula, this Wednesday.
Although the government originally said that “it could lead to an imminent volcanic eruption”, the Scientific Council for Civil Protection said on Friday that data from the past 24 hours “give no indication that magma is moving further. close to the surface “.
“During this period, there is little likelihood of an eruption,” said the council, noting that “the situation could change quickly”.
If an eruption occurs, the data shows that it will likely be in the area between Fagradalsfjall and Keilir.
The government said on its website that if there is a rash, it is expected to be a “relatively” small rash that lasts a few weeks. These types of eruptions, the government said, involve a “slow flow” of lava, rather than large explosions or significant ash.
The government said there was “very low” risk for populated areas and critical infrastructure, and Prime Minister Katrín Jakobsdóttir said the country was “extremely well prepared”.
“Iceland has highly trained, educated and experienced professionals in this area,” said Jakobsdóttir in a statement. “Most importantly, the Icelandic public is used to dealing calmly with many different types of natural events related to climate or geology.”
The last major volcanic eruption in southern Iceland occurred in 2010. It was the first time in almost 200 years that the Eyjafjallajökull volcano it burst, and hundreds of people were forced to evacuate the area.
Similar to the current event, the Eyjafjallajökull eruption came after a month filled with thousands of small earthquakes.
The government said an eruption of Mt. Keilir “will not produce large fumes with the potential to disrupt international aviation”, although it temporarily disrupts air traffic. On Wednesday, all drone flights in the area were banned in case of eruption.