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.
Canada’s Liberal Party is set to elect a new leader on March 9, moving beyond Justin Trudeau’s decade in power. The race comes as U.S. President Donald Trump’s threats against Canada fuel a wave of patriotism ahead of an expected election.
Torrential rains triggered severe flooding in eastern Spain on Thursday, sweeping away cars and forcing school evacuations. Authorities closed roads in Murcia, Valencia, and Catalonia, with officials urging residents to stay indoors.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced he will visit Saudi Arabia on Monday to meet Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, aiming to advance peace efforts. His team will remain in the country for talks with U.S. partners, he said in a Telegram post.
North Korea criticised upcoming U.S.-South Korea military drills on Friday, warning they would worsen tensions on the Korean Peninsula, state media KCNA reported. The annual Freedom Shield exercises are set to begin on Monday and last until March 20.
President Donald Trump has postponed 25% tariffs on many imports from Mexico and some from Canada for one month, easing concerns over a broader trade war.
Canada’s Liberal Party is set to elect a new leader on March 9, moving beyond Justin Trudeau’s decade in power. The race comes as U.S. President Donald Trump’s threats against Canada fuel a wave of patriotism ahead of an expected election.
French President Emmanuel Macron dismissed Russia’s criticism on Thursday, after the Kremlin warned him over nuclear rhetoric. Speaking at an EU summit in Brussels, he accused Moscow of imperialism and said Russia’s strong reaction showed his claims were true.
Torrential rains triggered severe flooding in eastern Spain on Thursday, sweeping away cars and forcing school evacuations. Authorities closed roads in Murcia, Valencia, and Catalonia, with officials urging residents to stay indoors.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced he will visit Saudi Arabia on Monday to meet Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, aiming to advance peace efforts. His team will remain in the country for talks with U.S. partners, he said in a Telegram post.
North Korea criticised upcoming U.S.-South Korea military drills on Friday, warning they would worsen tensions on the Korean Peninsula, state media KCNA reported. The annual Freedom Shield exercises are set to begin on Monday and last until March 20.
Norway’s government has affirmed that it will continue to supply fuel for U.S. Navy vessels, dismissing recent calls from a private marine fuel supplier to halt deliveries amid tensions linked to U.S.-Ukrainian relations.
President Donald Trump is preparing a new travel ban that could block entry for people from Afghanistan and Pakistan as early as next week. The move is part of an intensified immigration crackdown.
EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy/Vice-President of the European Commission, Kaja Kallas, will chair the 20th EU-Central Asia Ministerial meeting hosted this year by Turkmenistan, in Ashgabat, on 4 March.
Watch AnewZ Live Coverage of the Trump-Zelenskyy meeting at the Oval Office at https://anewz.tv/tv-live
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reaffirmed his respect for the United States and its people in an interview with Fox News, following a tense meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House.
Torrential rains triggered severe flooding in eastern Spain on Thursday, sweeping away cars and forcing school evacuations. Authorities closed roads in Murcia, Valencia, and Catalonia, with officials urging residents to stay indoors.
Despite the US exit from the Paris Agreement, UK climate envoy Rachel Kyte reaffirms Britain’s commitment to climate goals, stressing the importance of global action and green energy investments.
The United Nations Development Programme has kicked off a project aimed at supporting the resilience of agricultural production and conserving ecosystems in Northern Kazakhstan.
A "doomsday" vault storing food crop seeds from around the world in man-made caves on a remote Norwegian Arctic island will receive more than 14,000 new samples on Tuesday, a custodian of the facility said.
The city of Buriticupu, in Brazil’s northeastern Amazon, is facing a worsening crisis as massive sinkholes continue to expand, forcing authorities to declare a state of emergency. More than 1,200 residents are at risk of losing their homes.
Canada’s Liberal Party is set to elect a new leader on March 9, moving beyond Justin Trudeau’s decade in power. The race comes as U.S. President Donald Trump’s threats against Canada fuel a wave of patriotism ahead of an expected election.
French President Emmanuel Macron dismissed Russia’s criticism on Thursday, after the Kremlin warned him over nuclear rhetoric. Speaking at an EU summit in Brussels, he accused Moscow of imperialism and said Russia’s strong reaction showed his claims were true.
Torrential rains triggered severe flooding in eastern Spain on Thursday, sweeping away cars and forcing school evacuations. Authorities closed roads in Murcia, Valencia, and Catalonia, with officials urging residents to stay indoors.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced he will visit Saudi Arabia on Monday to meet Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, aiming to advance peace efforts. His team will remain in the country for talks with U.S. partners, he said in a Telegram post.
North Korea criticised upcoming U.S.-South Korea military drills on Friday, warning they would worsen tensions on the Korean Peninsula, state media KCNA reported. The annual Freedom Shield exercises are set to begin on Monday and last until March 20.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment