Iceland’s Volcanic Awakening: A New Era of Eruptions

Iceland, the land of fire and ice, has once again shown its volatile nature as a series of eruptions have rocked the Reykjanes peninsula since late 2021. These eruptions, which have occurred with surprising frequency, have left many wondering if Iceland is entering a new volcanic era. In this article, we will delve into the causes of these eruptions, their impact on the population and infrastructure, and what scientists are doing to predict future activity.

The Reykjanes peninsula, located in southwestern Iceland, is no stranger to volcanic activity. Iceland, as a whole, is one of the most volcanically active places on Earth due to its unique geological position. The country sits atop the boundary between the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates, which are slowly pulling apart, creating a space for magma to rise to the surface. Iceland has more than 100 volcanoes and over 30 are currently active.

However, the last time the Reykjanes peninsula experienced any significant lava flow was hundreds of years ago. The most recent eruptions, which began in December 2021, mark the start of a new period of volcanic activity. But why has there been an 800-year gap between eruptions?

Professor Tamsin Mather, an Earth scientist from the University of Oxford, explains that the tectonic plates do not smoothly pull apart. Instead, they go through pulses of higher activity. This is likely what we’re seeing right now in the Reykjanes. The rocks in the region also provide evidence of past eruptions, revealing a pattern of periods of quiet lasting around 1,000 years, followed by eruptions that continue for a few centuries.

The eruptions in the Reykjanes peninsula have caused significant damage and disruption. The most recent eruption, which began in December 2023, engulfed a pipe that provides heat and hot water to thousands living in the area and cut off a road to the Blue Lagoon tourist attraction. The town of Grindavik, which was evacuated during the eruption, was spared this time, but several houses were destroyed in the previous eruption in January.

The Icelandic authorities are taking measures to protect the town and key infrastructure, including building large barriers around the town and power station. However, if a fissure opens up inside the barriers, not much can be done. The long-term consequences of these eruptions for Iceland are significant. The most densely populated part of Iceland, which is home to 70% of the population, is located in the danger zone. Key infrastructure, including the main international airport, geothermal power plants, and tourist infrastructure, is also at risk.

Scientists are working to predict when the eruptions will happen and where they will occur. Dr. Evgenia Ilyinskaya, a volcanologist from the University of Leeds, explains that scientists have a much better idea of what is happening now that the eruptions are repeating themselves. They are tracking the ground inflation as magma comes out from deep below and can tell with a lot more certainty than was possible before when to expect the magma to start breaking through the ground. However, pinpointing exactly where an eruption will happen is more challenging. The magma is held more loosely under a larger area and erupts through cracks or fissures that can be miles long.

The Icelandic authorities are taking measures to protect the town and key infrastructure, including building large barriers around the town and power station. However, if a fissure opens up inside the barriers, not much can be done. The long-term consequences of these eruptions for Iceland are significant. The most densely populated part of Iceland, which is home to 70% of the population, is located in the danger zone. Key infrastructure, including the main international airport, geothermal power plants, and tourist infrastructure, is also at risk.

Scientists are studying the different volcanic systems across the peninsula to gain a better understanding of the longer-term implications of these eruptions. Dr. Dave McGarvie from Lancaster University explains that in the last cycle, the first eruptions started in the systems to the east and migrated to the west. This time, the first eruptions occurred in a system that sits more in the middle of the peninsula. Dr. McGarvie says that scientists can get an idea of how much magma is held underground and whether it is likely to shift away from Grindavik and the power station to another neighboring volcanic system. If they see the rate of magma inflow declining, it could be an indication that the magma is starting to switch off and may take a few months for it to completely die down. However, it is still uncertain whether this is a temporary lull or the end of this phase of activity.

In conclusion, Iceland’s recent volcanic activity has left many wondering if the country is entering a new era of eruptions. The causes of these eruptions are rooted in the unique geological position of Iceland, which sits atop the boundary between the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates. The impact of these eruptions on the population and infrastructure has been significant, and scientists are working to predict future activity and mitigate the risks. While there is still uncertainty about the longer-term implications of these eruptions, one thing is clear: Iceland’s volatile nature is a reminder of the power and unpredictability of the natural world.

Follow Rebecca on X (formerly known as Twitter) for more updates on Iceland’s volcanic activity.

Related:
– Volcano spews lava in new Iceland eruption (BBC News, 2 days ago)
– They fled as lava spilled into town – and they may never return (BBC News, 6 days ago)
– WATCH: Volcano spews lava and smoke as it erupts, near Grindavik (BBC News, 16 Jan 2024)
– A key water pipe has been burst by the stream of lava, leaving 28,000 people without hot water (BBC News, 1 day ago)
– New Iceland eruption triggers state of emergency (BBC News, 2 days ago)
– Lava and smoke on Reykjanes Peninsula (BBC News, 2 days ago)
– Bright orange lava flow moves across road in snowy landscape (BBC News, N/A)
– Dramatic aerials show lava flow after Iceland eruption (BBC News, 16 Jan 2024)
– Widow’s trek across Iceland for ‘courageous’ husband (BBC News, 25 Jan 2024)

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