From Rising Magma at Svartsengi to an Eruption on May 29th, 2024

On May 29, 2024, a new volcanic eruption started on the Reykjanes Peninsula in Iceland. This follows a period of increased seismic activity and magma accumulation under Svartsengi.

The previous eruption in Sundhnúkagígar Crater Row lasted from March until May 9th, 2024. Although it ended, magma continued to accumulate in the chamber beneath Svartsengi, indicating an imminent new eruption which happened 20 days later.

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Details on the May Sundhnúkagígar Crater Row Eruption

The latest eruption began at 12:46 PM on May 29, 2024, on the Sundhnúkagígar crater row. The initial fissure was over 1 km in length, with a lava flow rate estimated between 1,500 to 2,000 cubic meters per second, flowing over roads. The eruption has caused significant ground uplift and gas emissions, with the highest lava fountains reaching 60-70 meters.

By 3:30 PM, the fissure had extended to approximately 3.4 km. Lava flows have crossed Grindavíkurvegur and Nesvegur, threatening infrastructure. Efforts are being made to fix roads and close the gap between protective barriers near Grindarvíkurvegur.

The volcanic eruption on the Sundhnúksgígaröðin fissure row continues and has now been active for ten days. Since Tuesday, June 4th, one crater has been active, with lava steadily streaming from it creating a magma river. Lava has also flowed down along the barrier, becoming very thick and breaking over it in places.

Two weeks since the eruption started and the lava flow is slowing down. However, land uplift under Svartsengi continues hinting towards another eruption in the Reykjanes Peninsula. The eighth eruption that is currently ongoing will therefore likely not be the last in the area.

It is important to note that visitors are not permitted at the site. The Icelandic Met Office (IMO) is closely monitoring the situation. There is currently no danger to visitors or the Icelandic people.

Eruption Possibilities from the Magma Chamber

Over time, as the eruptions continued, observations showed that the uplift of the land had significantly slowed and nearly stopped. This suggested a balance between the magma entering the reservoir and the magma being expelled to the surface.

Since early April, the uplift rate has suggested that most of the magma entering the reservoir under Svartsengi has begun to accumulate again. This accumulation has led to increased pressure and ground uplift. Meanwhile, a smaller amount of magma still flows to the surface at the Sundhnúkur crater row, as illustrated in the image below.

Image Source: Icelandic Met Office (vedur.is)

Calculations by the Meteorological Office estimate that about 13 million cubic meters of magma have accumulated under Svartsengi since the eruption began, which is considered to be around the capacity limit of the magma chamber.

Seismic activity has also increased in the area, and Minney says that up to 60 earthquakes have occurred on the Reykjanes Peninsula in the last 24 hours, an increase compared to recent days.

New Pattern: Land Uplift in Svartsengi During Sundhnúkur Crater Row Eruption

Since December 2023, a series of unprecedented events has unfolded, marked by repeated diking events and subsequent volcanic eruptions. This sequence was disrupted on March 2nd when a dike intrusion occurred without leading to an eruption, alongside the prolonged nature of the current eruption. It remains to be seen when the magma accumulation under Svartsengi will stop, which would end the cycle of repeated diking events and eruptions in the region.

The ongoing eruption site, which began in October 2023 with magma accumulating beneath Svartsengi, shows no signs of concluding despite its lengthy duration; there is no indication that the rate of magma inflow from deeper sources is decreasing. To put this into context, the volcanic activity in Reykjanes from 2020 to 2022 included four distinct periods of magma accumulation under Svartsengi, each followed by varying pauses. Approximately 17 months later, magma began accumulating again in late October 2023 and continues to do so.

The current condition, characterised by consistent ground uplift in Svartsengi while an eruption is active, is unusual. Monitoring the area closely and responding swiftly to any changes in volcanic activity is crucial to ensure public safety and prevent further damage.

Volcanoes in Reykjanes Since March 2023

Over a month has passed since the fiery drama began at the Sundhnúkur crater row in Iceland’s Reykjanes Peninsula. This eruption, which erupted into action on the evening of March 16, 2024, marks a significant event as the latest in a series of volcanic activities that have captivated both locals and scientists since late 2023. This spectacle offers a unique window into the powerful forces beneath our feet.

The eruption began with a fissure opening along a 3-km stretch from Stóra-Skógfell to Sundhnúkur. Initially, the lava flowed predominantly southward and southeastward, eventually crossing major roadways like Grindavíkurvegur. Concerns grew that the lava could reach the sea and pose hazards from explosive interactions and toxic gas emissions, specifically hydrochloric acid. However, the lava’s progress halted about 250 meters from Suðurstrandarvegur, preventing any immediate threat to coastal areas.

As the eruption continued, activity decreased and focused on three main sites along the fissure. Over time, this activity further diminished, and by April 5, only one vent remained active. This pattern mirrors previous eruptions at the Sundhnúkur crater row but with some unique deviations in its behaviour and intensity. The current situation is being closely monitored, with the ongoing activity confined to a single vent near Sundhnúkur.

This is now the second-longest eruption in the Reykjanes peninsula since 2021. See the volcanic timeline here.

Similar Volcanic Activity in 1975

The activity at Sundhnúkur crater row can be paralleled with the Krafla events starting in 1975. Over a decade, Krafla witnessed 20 dike intrusions, with nine leading to eruptions. These intrusions, though varying in size, all fed into the same magma chamber during the Krafla unrest. Unlike the recent sequence at Sundhnúkur crater row, where eruptions have been strikingly regular, occurring approximately every month since December 18, 2023, Krafla's eruptions did not follow such consistent intervals. This regularity in eruption frequency at Sundhnúkur is notably unusual.

Experience Volcanoes in Iceland

Dive deeper into the world of eruptions and lava flows through interactive displays that bring the fiery beauty of Iceland's geological wonders to life. Perfect for both enthusiasts and families, this exhibit offers a unique, educational experience that complements the insights discussed in our article. Explore the mysteries of volcanic processes and witness the power of Earth's inner forces up close. Plan your visit now by checking out Perlan's Lava Show Exhibit.