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🇮🇸 Iceland /Disasters & Emergencies

Life returns to Grindavík as volcanic activity subsides

From Morgunblaðið · () Icelandic

Translated from Icelandic, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Sources not specified Outcome reported
  • Volcanic activity in Iceland's Sundhnúkagígaröðin eruption series has ceased, with the last eruption ending on August 5.
  • Scientists believe the volcanic system is slowly quieting down, though ongoing seismic activity suggests preparation for potential future events.
  • Schooling has resumed in Grindavík after a three-year hiatus, signaling a return to normalcy and a focus on rebuilding the town.

Volcanologist Þorvaldur Þórðarson expressed optimism as life begins to return to Grindavík, Iceland, with the resumption of schooling. He believes the volcanic eruptions along the Sundhnúkagígaröðin series are nearing their end.

"I am pleased that the residents of Grindavík can now focus on rebuilding and reviving life in the town. It is time for that," Þorvaldur told mbl.is. The Grindavík elementary school reopened its doors today, marking the end of a three-year period without formal education in the town, which was evacuated due to volcanic activity on the Reykjanes Peninsula.

I am pleased that the residents of Grindavík can now focus on rebuilding and reviving life in the town. It is time for that.

— Þorvaldur ÞórðarsonVolcanologist Þorvaldur Þórðarson expresses his happiness about the return of life and schooling to Grindavík.

Despite the recent cessation of the ninth eruption in the series, which began in December 2023 and concluded on August 5, scientists at the Icelandic Meteorological Office note that magma continues to accumulate, increasing pressure. The most likely scenario, they stated, involves magma flowing from Svartsengi towards the Sundhnúkagígaröðin, potentially leading to another eruption.

I feel everything indicates that this is slowly dying down. If another eruption occurs, it will likely emerge similarly to the previous ones. Grindavík is not in any danger. There is no magma beneath Grindavík, and nothing is going to erupt there.

— Þorvaldur ÞórðarsonÞorvaldur Þórðarson discusses the current state of volcanic activity and reassures that Grindavík is safe.

"I feel everything indicates that this is slowly dying down. If another eruption occurs, it will likely emerge similarly to the previous ones. Grindavík is not in any danger. There is no magma beneath Grindavík, and nothing is going to erupt there," Þorvaldur assured. He added that even if lava were to flow toward the town, there would be ample time to evacuate residents.

Recent seismic activity, including a magnitude 4.1 earthquake and over 100 subsequent tremors on the Reykjanes Ridge, suggests the volcanic system is preparing for further activity. "This is just a continuation of what we have been seeing lately. Increased seismic activity in this area indicates the system is preparing itself," Þorvaldur explained. Satellite imagery measuring ground displacement suggests a year-long process of subsidence and rifting, though the timeline for future eruptions remains uncertain.

This is just a continuation of what we have been seeing lately. Increased seismic activity in this area indicates the system is preparing itself.

— Þorvaldur ÞórðarsonÞorvaldur Þórðarson explains the significance of recent earthquakes in the region.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Morgunblaðið in Icelandic. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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