Unprecedented Volcanic Activity in Iceland’s Reykjanes Peninsula

In recent years, the volcanoes on Iceland’s Reykjanes Peninsula have come alive after almost 800 years of relative dormancy. The area has experienced eight eruptions since 2021, indicating a significant upsurge in volcanic activity. Research shows that this renewed ferocity stems from a shallow pool of magma just 10 kilometers wide and 9-12 kilometers below the surface. The discovery of this magma source is crucial for ensuring the safety of residents in the region, as it could potentially fuel similarly-sized volcanic eruptions for years to come.

Geologist Valentin Troll of Uppsala University in Sweden led a study that utilized seismic wave data from volcanic eruptions and earthquake ‘swarms’ to map the subsurface of the Reykjanes Peninsula. The research revealed that the 2021 eruptions of the Fagradalsfjall volcanic system were fed by a pocket of magma that traveled along geological lines to Sundhnúkur, where volcanic activity has been ongoing since late 2023. The similarity in geochemical ‘fingerprints’ of the lavas from both eruption zones indicates a “connected magma plumbing system” joining the two volcanic systems.

The shared magma pool is believed to have formed between 2002 and 2020, with a recharge occurring in 2023. The continuous supply of magma from shallow depths to surface fissures and vents suggests that the volcanic eruptions may persist for decades. Researchers emphasize the need for an improved understanding of the magma supply system to monitor and predict future eruptive events. Frequent eruptions could result in repeated evacuations, causing disruptions to communities and potentially damaging key infrastructure such as geothermal power plants and experimental carbon sequestration facilities.

Sitting atop the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, Iceland is no stranger to volcanic activity due to the tectonic plate boundary pushing North America and Eurasia apart. The recent eruptions in the country have been particularly disruptive, raising concerns about the potential for a prolonged period of persistent volcanic activity. While researchers cannot predict the exact duration or frequency of future eruptions, continuous monitoring of the area is essential. Volcanologist Ilya Bindeman from the University of Oregon highlights the uncertainty surrounding the situation, emphasizing the need for ongoing research and vigilance in monitoring volcanic activity in Iceland.