The weather service counted around 800 tremors in 12 hours. In addition, according to the Icelandic Meteorological Office, ground and satellite measurements indicate that volcanic magma beneath the surface of the Reykjanes Peninsula, where Grindavík is located, is moving at a “much greater” speed than previously calculated.
Initial predictions were that the eruption would last longer. But yesterday researchers noticed that seismic activity was approaching the surface and that magma was rising towards the Earth’s crust between Sundhnjukagigar and Grindavík. This change of scenery led to the evacuation.
Scientists estimate that the magma is now 800 meters from the surface. According to the Meteorological Office, underground movements indicate a “serious risk” of a volcanic eruption in the coming days. “The probability of an underwater eruption has also increased,” warns a bulletin published at 6 p.m. (local time, 3 p.m. in Brasília).
Grindavík is about 55 kilometers from the capital Reykjavík. The town is close to the Blue Lagoon geothermal resort, a popular tourist destination that has been temporarily closed as a precaution. It is also close to the Svartsengi geothermal power plant, the main supplier of electricity and water to the 30,000 residents of the Reykjanes Peninsula.
Seismic activity has decreased somewhat in the last few hours but remains intense. (…) The probability that a volcanic eruption will occur in the near future is considerable.
Icelandic Meteorological Office in a statement
The rate of ground deformation is much higher than previously measured on the Reykjanes Peninsula. Around 800 earthquakes have been recorded since midnight. The probability that a volcanic eruption will occur in the near future is estimated to be considerable. https://t.co/9vYBBjNcX9 pic.twitter.com/RRV7adJDsG
Veðurstofa Íslands / Icelandic Meteorological Office (@Vedurstofan) November 11, 2023