GRINDAVIK, Iceland — A volcano in southwestern Iceland erupted Wednesday for the fifth time since December, spewing red streams of lava in the latest display of nature’s power and triggering the evacuation of the popular Blue Lagoon geothermal spa.
The eruption began in the early afternoon following a series of earthquakes north of Grindavik, a coastal town of 3,800 people that was largely evacuated in December when the volcano erupted.
The Icelandic Meteorological Office said lava was shooting about 50 meters (165 feet) into the sky from a fissure about 2.5 kilometers (1.5 miles) long and flowing toward Grindavik.
Grindavik, which is about 50 kilometers (30 miles) southwest of Iceland’s capital, Reykjavik, has been threatened since a swarm of earthquakes in November forced an evacuation in advance of the the initial Dec. 18 eruption. A subsequent eruption overwhelmed some defensive walls and consumed several buildings.
The area is part of the Svartsengi volcanic system that was dormant for nearly 800 years before reawakening.
The volcano erupted again in February and March. The Feb. 8 eruption engulfed a pipeline, cutting off heat and hot water to thousands of people.
Iceland, which sits above a volcanic hot spot in the North Atlantic, sees regular eruptions and is experienced at dealing with them. The most disruptive in recent times was the 2010 eruption of the Eyjafjallajokull volcano, which spewed huge clouds of ash into the atmosphere and led to widespread airspace closures over Europe.
The latest eruption was unlikely to pose a risk to air travel, national broadcaster RUV quoted Guðjón Helgason, press officer with airport operator ISAVIA, as saying.
Iceland’s Volcano Re-Erupts, Sending Lava Into the Sky
In a spectacular display of nature’s power, Iceland’s Fagradalsfjall volcano has re-erupted, sending lava shooting into the sky and creating a mesmerizing sight for onlookers. The volcano, located on the Reykjanes Peninsula in southwestern Iceland, had been dormant for nearly 6,000 years before it suddenly sprang back to life in March of 2021.
The eruption has drawn crowds of spectators eager to witness the fiery display up close. The lava flows have been steadily advancing, creating new landscapes and reshaping the surrounding area. Despite the awe-inspiring nature of the eruption, authorities have assured the public that there is no immediate danger to nearby communities.
The eruption of Fagradalsfjall is a reminder of Iceland’s unique geological makeup, with its abundance of volcanoes and geothermal activity. The country sits on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, a tectonic plate boundary where the North American and Eurasian plates are pulling apart, creating a hotspot for volcanic activity.
While the eruption has captured the attention of the world, it also serves as a reminder of the potential dangers posed by volcanoes. Iceland is no stranger to volcanic eruptions, with the infamous 2010 eruption of Eyjafjallajökull causing widespread disruption to air travel across Europe.
Despite the risks, Icelanders have learned to live in harmony with their volatile surroundings, harnessing geothermal energy for heating and electricity and using volcanic ash as a valuable resource for agriculture. The eruption of Fagradalsfjall serves as a stark reminder of the power of nature and the need for vigilance in monitoring and preparing for volcanic activity.
As the lava continues to flow and the volcano puts on its fiery display, scientists and authorities will be closely monitoring the situation to ensure the safety of those in the vicinity. For now, visitors and locals alike can marvel at the spectacle of Iceland’s reawakened volcano, a reminder of the raw power and beauty of our planet’s natural forces.
