NEW DELHI: A volcano in Iceland erupted on Saturday for the fourth time since December last year, according to the country’s meteorological office.
Authorities had been anticipating this eruption on the Reykjanes peninsula near Reykjavik, where the eruption site was located between Hagafell and Stora-Skogfell, the same area as the last outbreak.
Rikke Pedersen, head of the Nordic Volcanological Centre, mentioned that while the eruption was expected, the exact timing was unpredictable.
The eruption, captured in a video from a Coast Guard helicopter, showed molten rock and lava shooting into the air.
The eruption, which started at 2023 GMT, created a 2.9-kilometer fissure similar in size to the previous eruption in February.
Reykjavik’s Keflavik Airport remained operational for both departures and arrivals despite the lava flowing towards the nearby Grindavik fishing town.
Icelandic police declared a state of emergency for the area, prompting the nearby Blue Lagoon luxury geothermal spa to close temporarily.
Iceland, known for its volcanic activity, attracts volcano tourists due to its 30 active volcanoes. The Reykjanes peninsula eruptions, classified as fissure eruptions, typically do not result in large explosions or significant ash dispersal.
Iceland’s unique location between the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates contributes to its seismic and volcanic activity.
Scientists anticipate that these volcanic activities could continue for several decades, emphasizing the need for ongoing preparedness and monitoring.
In 2010, Iceland faced widespread disruptions due to ash clouds from the Eyafjallajokull volcano, impacting air travel and necessitating evacuations.
Authorities had been anticipating this eruption on the Reykjanes peninsula near Reykjavik, where the eruption site was located between Hagafell and Stora-Skogfell, the same area as the last outbreak.
Rikke Pedersen, head of the Nordic Volcanological Centre, mentioned that while the eruption was expected, the exact timing was unpredictable.
The eruption, captured in a video from a Coast Guard helicopter, showed molten rock and lava shooting into the air.
The eruption, which started at 2023 GMT, created a 2.9-kilometer fissure similar in size to the previous eruption in February.
Reykjavik’s Keflavik Airport remained operational for both departures and arrivals despite the lava flowing towards the nearby Grindavik fishing town.
Icelandic police declared a state of emergency for the area, prompting the nearby Blue Lagoon luxury geothermal spa to close temporarily.
Iceland, known for its volcanic activity, attracts volcano tourists due to its 30 active volcanoes. The Reykjanes peninsula eruptions, classified as fissure eruptions, typically do not result in large explosions or significant ash dispersal.
Iceland’s unique location between the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates contributes to its seismic and volcanic activity.
Scientists anticipate that these volcanic activities could continue for several decades, emphasizing the need for ongoing preparedness and monitoring.
In 2010, Iceland faced widespread disruptions due to ash clouds from the Eyafjallajokull volcano, impacting air travel and necessitating evacuations.