Iceland Declares Emergency as Quakes Portend Volcanic Eruption

November 13, 2023

A state of emergency was declared in Iceland after powerful earthquakes rocked the Reykjanes peninsula, signaling a possible volcanic eruption could occur within days.

Earthquake Swarm Near Populated Areas

Thousands of tremors have hit near Grindavik village since October. Friday saw the largest quakes, felt 40 km away in the capital, damaging infrastructure.

Preparing Contingency Plans

Authorities warned quakes could precede an eruption. Grindavik and the key Blue Lagoon tourist site closed. Evacuation plans are ready if fissures open.

Monitoring the Threat

Scientists detected accumulating underground magma about 5 km down. They said lava would likely flow southeast/west if it reaches the surface, not towards Grindavik.

Recent History of Volcanic Activity

The Reykjanes peninsula saw eruptions in 2021, 2022, and 2023 after being dormant for centuries. Experts believe increased activity could persist for decades or more.

Wide Impacts Possible

Iceland has 33 active volcanoes due to its position atop the boundary between tectonic plates. A 2010 eruption shut down European air travel, stranding 10 million travelers.

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