On Wednesday, a volcanic eruption in Iceland prompted the evacuation of tourists from the Blue Lagoon, a renowned geothermal spa, as images depicted lava flowing from a fissure in the Earth’s surface.
Iceland’s Met Office reported that the eruption commenced around 4 a.m., following an intense seismic swarm on the Reykjanes Peninsula, located southwest of the capital, Reykjavik.
The Icelandic government stated, “In an abundance of caution, the town of Grindavík and the Blue Lagoon were successfully evacuated.” It advised, “Travelers in the area are advised to monitor air quality, as gas pollution from the eruption site may occur.”
According to the Met Office, lava from the eruption is flowing southeast from a fissure in the barren landscape, which measures between 2,296 and 3,280 feet in width.
Grindavik has been repeatedly impacted by volcanic activity since November 2023, when a volcano in the area became active after approximately 800 years of dormancy.
The country’s government affirmed that “Air traffic to and from Iceland is unaffected, and Iceland remains open and safe for tourists.” It further noted, “This volcanic activity is highly localized and has no impact on infrastructure or attractions across the rest of Iceland.”
It characterized volcanic activity as “a fact of life in Iceland,” stating that “Icelanders have learned to live with its drawbacks and considerable advantages, such as geothermal energy.”
It also mentioned that “The Icelandic Meteorological Office, The Department of Civil Protection and Emergency Management, and a team of scientists from the University of Iceland closely monitor and analyze developments relating to seismic activities.”
Officials indicated that the Reykjanes Peninsula has experienced a dozen volcanic eruptions since 2021.
Iceland’s government clarified that “There is no way of accurately predicting whether, where, or when seismic activity may result in a volcanic eruption or the possible size of such an eruption, but they are closely monitored and constantly evaluated based on the best scientific data available.”
It added, “Iceland is situated on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates diverge, making it one of the most active volcanic regions in the world. Regular seismic events are a characteristic feature of Icelandic geology, ranging from minor tremors to significant earthquakes.” It further explained, “Seismic activity in Iceland is often due to magma movement beneath the earth’s crust. It may sometimes result in magma seeking the easiest path to the surface and becoming a volcanic eruption.”