Icelandic officials have issued warnings of a potential volcanic eruption on the Reykjanes Peninsula due to significant crustal uplift and magma accumulation beneath the surface, particularly in the region surrounding the Svartsengi geothermal power plant. The alert comes after a burst of seismic activity on November 10, leading to uncertainty about the timing of a possible volcanic eruption.
According to Iceland’s meteorological office, since the seismic activity began, there has been a notable uplift in the Earth’s crust around Svartsengi. While the rate of crustal uplift has somewhat decreased since last week, it remains higher than before November 10, indicating ongoing magma accumulation. The meteorological office stated that further dikes for a volcanic eruption are still possible in the region.
The Reykjanes Peninsula is known for its volcanic and seismic activity, situated southwest of the capital. Previous volcanic events include spectacular eruptions in March 2021 and a three-week eruption last year. The latest seismic activity following November 10 included up to 1,800 earthquakes per day for nearly two weeks, gradually decreasing to hundreds. Recent reports indicate 200 to 300 quakes reported on Monday and Tuesday.
Although the horizontal intrusion causing the crust to bend upwards around Svartsengi may not directly trigger a surface eruption, experts believe it could be channeling magma into a vertical intrusion near the town of Grindavik, where an eruption is considered more likely.
This warning emphasizes the geological dynamism of the region, where continuous monitoring and analysis are crucial to assess the potential for volcanic activities and mitigate associated risks.
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