Iceland experiences almost 700 earthquakes

Tuesday, November 28, 2023

Iceland experienced nearly 700 earthquakes since midnight today, heightening concerns of an impending eruption. The most powerful quake, measuring 3.35 in magnitude, struck Vatnafjoll in South Iceland at 5:56 am, according to the Icelandic Met Office. A seismic swarm initiated near the dike intrusion north of the evacuated Grindavik overnight. The Met Office maintains a persistent warning of the imminent eruption likelihood, emphasizing ongoing seismic activity in the region. The situation adds to the country’s apprehension as it closely monitors the geological developments, emphasizing the potential for a volcanic event in the near future.

As concerns mount over a potential volcanic eruption in Iceland, the region near the evacuated town of Grindavik experienced the strongest earthquake in 48 hours, adding to fears of an imminent eruption. The Icelandic Met Office reported approximately 300 earthquakes on Sunday, with a notable swarm near Grindavik lasting over an hour before midnight.

The most powerful earthquake, registering a magnitude of 3, occurred at 00:26 on Monday, three miles northeast of Grindavik, surpassing the previous 48-hour high of 2.7 magnitudes. United Kingdom issues travel advice for the tourists visiting to Iceland.

Earthquakes and indications of volcanic activity have increased above normal levels on the Reykjanes peninsula, southwest of Reykjavik. The Icelandic authorities continue to monitor the area closely, particularly the area northwest of Mt Thorbjörn near the Svartsengi power plant and the Blue Lagoon. On 10 November, a Civil Protection Alert was declared after an intense swarm of earthquakes. The town of Grindavík was evacuated as a precaution. Some roads have been closed and visitors are advised to stay away from the area. Keflavik International Airport is operating as normal. While there is no current eruption, it is increasingly possible that one could occur.

Grindavik had been evacuated two weeks ago due to magma-induced seismic activity that caused significant damage to the town’s infrastructure. Despite ongoing seismic activity, the Icelandic Met Office notes a gradual decrease, suggesting a diminishing likelihood of an immediate volcanic eruption. However, civil protection officials emphasize ongoing dangers, stating that the unpredictable nature of the situation poses unique challenges, with minimal warning time in the event of an eruption.

On Sunday night, 170 earthquakes rattled the surrounding areas of Sýlingarfell and Hagafe, contributing to heightened concerns. A seismic swarm near Sýlingarfell, lasting about an hour, added to the region’s geological instability. While earthquake swarms have been ongoing since October 27 at Þorbjörn, recent days had seen relative quiet, according to the Icelandic Met Office.

Despite the seismic activity, the UK Foreign Office has not issued travel advisories against visiting Iceland. However, it cautions against travel to the evacuated town of Grindavik and closely monitors areas near Mt Thorbjörn and the Svartsengi power plant. A Civil Protection Alert was declared on November 10 after an intense earthquake swarm, leading to the precautionary evacuation of Grindavík. Although no current eruption has occurred, the possibility remains, prompting authorities to advise monitoring local media for updates and following travel guidance for the region.

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