In an alarming development, Iceland grapples with the imminent threat of a volcanic eruption following a seismic onslaught of over 800 earthquakes within a span of 14 hours on the Reykjanes peninsula. The Iceland Met Office has declared a state of emergency, citing a “considerable” likelihood of eruption in the coming days.

Located on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, Iceland’s unique geological position, straddling the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates, makes it a hotspot for seismic activity. Despite experiencing around 26,000 earthquakes annually, the recent swarm of earthquakes, particularly the 5.2 magnitude quake 40 km from Reykjavík on Friday, raises concerns about a potential volcanic eruption.

The Iceland Met Office underscores the link between earthquake swarms and volcanic activity, indicating a troubling precursor to an eruption. The movement of magma beneath the Earth’s surface exerts force on surrounding rock, often resulting in earthquake swarms. While underground magma movement doesn’t guarantee an eruption, proximity to the surface increases the likelihood, with more frequent symptomatic earthquake swarms.

Scientists from the Iceland Met Office attribute the ongoing seismic activity to stress changes induced by continued magmatic inflow beneath the Fagradalsfjall volcanic system since October 27. Fagradalsfjall, dubbed the “world’s newest baby volcano,” witnessed eruptions in 2021, 2022, and 2023, attracting global tourists eager to witness molten lava flowing onto the Earth’s surface.

The Iceland Met Office’s recent observations indicate a significant magma movement extending from Sundhnjúkagígum in the north towards Grindavík, posing a serious volcanic hazard. The magma, located just north of Grindavík, is at a shallow depth of 800 meters beneath the Earth’s surface. Although the exact eruption location remains elusive, Grindavík, situated approximately 10 km from the previous Fagradalsfjall eruptions, has been evacuated as a precaution.

Iceland, home to 33 active volcanoes, is familiar with volcanic activity shaping its landscape and culture. The potential eruption triggers memories of the disruptive 2010 Eyjafjallajökull eruption, which spewed ash across Europe, causing extensive travel disruptions and economic losses. As the island nation braces for the uncertainty of a volcanic event, the rich tapestry of Iceland’s volcanic history remains intertwined with its geographical reality.