Southwest Iceland is currently inhabited a “swarm” of seismic activity, with more than 20,000 earthquakes recorded since February 24, according to the Icelandic Meteorological Office. The office said magma movements are likely the cause of the current rise on the Reykjanes Peninsula, prompting fears of a volcanic eruption.
According to the office, there have been more than 3,100 earthquakes on the peninsula in the last 48 hours alone. At least 63 of them had a magnitude of 3 or higher. 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 previously caused volcanic eruptions, the office said.
The color code of aviation for the Reykjanes Peninsula is at an orange level, meaning there is “increased concern” and there is a “higher likelihood of eruption,” according to the office.
The Icelandic government said on its website on Thursday that there was a volcanic quake pulse near Mt. Keilir, which is on the peninsula, Wednesday.
Although the government initially said this “could lead to an impending volcanic eruption,” the Scientific Council for Civil Protection said Friday that data from the past 24 hours “gives no indication that the magma is approaching the surface “.
“During this period, there is no high probability of an eruption,” the council said, noting that “the situation may change rapidly.”
If an eruption occurs, the data show that it will probably be in the area between Fagradalsfjall and Keilir.
The government said on its website that if there is an eruption, it is expected to be a “relatively” small fissure eruption that will last up to a few weeks. Such eruptions, according to the government, involve a “slow flow” of lava instead of large explosions or major ash.
The government has said there is a “very low” risk to populated areas and critical infrastructure, and Prime Minister Katrin Jakobsdottir said the country is “very well prepared”.
“Iceland has highly trained, trained and experienced professionals in this area,” Jakobsdóttir said in a statement. “Most importantly, the Icelandic public is used to calmly dealing 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 nearly 200 years Eyjafjallajökull volcano exploded and hundreds of people were forced to evacuate the area.
Similar to the current event, the Eyjafjallajökull eruption happened after a month full of thousands of small earthquakes.
The government said an eruption of Mt. Keilir “will not produce large fumes that could disrupt international aviation,” although he would temporarily disrupt air traffic. On Wednesday, all drone flights in the area were prohibited in case of eruption.