Iceland’s Reykjanes Peninsula, active again after 800 years, has seen repeated volcanic eruptions since 2021. From lava fountains to massive fissures, eruptions have reshaped the landscape, attracting tourists while prompting evacuations and safety warnings.
Iceland's Reykjanes Peninsula: A Timeline of Volcanic Activity Since 2021
Iceland’s Reykjanes Peninsula has experienced a string of volcanic eruptions since 2021, following the reactivation of geological systems that had lain dormant for around 800 years. Experts predict that the region, located just south of Reykjavik and home to 30,000 people, could face recurring fissure eruptions for several centuries.
March 19, 2021
The Fagradalsfjall volcanic system erupted with lava fountains emerging from a 500 to 750-meter-long fissure. The volcanic activity persisted for six months, attracting thousands of tourists. Leading up to the eruption, the peninsula recorded over 40,000 earthquakes in one month, a dramatic increase compared to the annual average of 1,000 to 3,000 since 2014.
August 3, 2022
Another eruption occurred in the Fagradalsfjall system, lasting three weeks. Preceded by days of earthquake activity, the eruption prompted authorities to issue a "code red," temporarily halting air traffic over the area. Residents and tourists were advised to stay away due to the release of poisonous gases.
July 10, 2023
The Litli Hrutur volcanic system, approximately 60 km from Reykjavik, erupted, producing gas pollution and lava. While the eruption did not threaten densely populated areas, it highlighted the region’s continuing volcanic activity.
December 18, 2023
In the Svartsengi volcanic system near Grindavik, an eruption sent lava and smoke across a wide area after weeks of intense seismic activity. A 4 km-long fissure stretched towards the town of Grindavik, underscoring the area's vulnerability to geological disruptions.
March 16, 2024
An eruption between the Hagafell and Store-Skogfell peaks lasted for 54 days, making it the second-longest eruption on the Reykjanes Peninsula since 2021. The eruption, originating from a 3 km-long fissure, spewed molten rock, bright orange lava, and smoke, further reshaping the landscape.
May 29, 2024
The most powerful eruption since the volcanic systems reawakened began near Hagafell and lasted for 24 days. Lava fountains reached heights of 50 metres (164 feet), and the fissure stretched at least 3.4 km. The eruption left a vast area blanketed in solidified lava.
August 22, 2024
The Sundhnukar crater erupted, spewing lava and smoke into the night sky for 16 days. With a fissure measuring around 3.9 km (2.4 miles), the eruption prompted evacuations, although the lava flow did not head towards Grindavik.
November 20, 2024
The most recent eruption occurred with very little warning, featuring a fissure of approximately 3 km (2 miles). Although smaller than previous eruptions, it served as a stark reminder of the Reykjanes Peninsula’s volatile nature, as reported by Iceland’s meteorological office.
These eruptions demonstrate the Reykjanes Peninsula's transformation into one of the most geologically active regions in Iceland, reshaping both the landscape and how residents and scientists approach life in the shadow of volcanic activity.
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