Persistent seismic activity: Ranging between 80-150 quakes daily in the vicinity of Sundhnúkagígar
Updates on Iceland's Restless Red Zone
The ground near the Sundhnúkagígar crater row remains restless, according to Salóme Jórunn Bernharðsdóttir, a natural hazards specialist at the Icelandic Meteorological Office. Despite a lull in seismic activity recently, the area continues to experience 80-150 small earthquakes daily.
The brief volcanic eruption on April 4, 2025, while powerful, was short-lived, ending on the same day. Following the eruption, ground inflation—the swelling caused by magma accumulating underground—began rapidly but has since slowed considerably.
Insights from Iceland Monitor
In a recent interview with mbl.is, Bernharðsdóttir explained that magma flow beneath Svartsengi is currently moving faster than it did after the last eruption. This signals ongoing magma activity beneath the surface. The recent earthquakes are centered around the magma tunnel formed during the eruption and are not unusual, she added.
While the current situation shows no immediate signs of another eruption, the region continues to be closely monitored. Post-eruption data has shown sustained magma movement through the corridor, raising concerns about future activity.
Enrichment Data:
The most recent eruption near the Sundhnúkagígar crater row occurred on April 1, 2025. Here's a snapshot of the latest available information:
- Magma Flow and Ground Deformation: As of April 8, 2025, magma accumulation continued beneath Svartsengi, with ongoing ground displacement northeast of the crater row. The April 1 eruption involved a ~11 km magma intrusion, extending northeast and causing three kilometers of additional ground deformation beyond previous eruption zones.
- Seismic Activity: Earthquake swarms persisted along the magma corridor, particularly at its northeastern end. Uplift measurements near Svartsengi confirmed continued magma inflow, maintaining a high risk of future eruptions. The April 1 event was preceded by intense seismic activity, including earthquakes felt in Grindavík and Reykjavík.
- Infrastructure Impacts: Protective barriers north of Grindavík were breached during the April 1 eruption, and a ruptured hot water pipeline caused by faulting was reported near Grindavík.
Although no eruptions have been reported since April 1, authorities emphasize that magma accumulation remains active, warranting ongoing vigilance. For real-time updates, the Icelandic Meteorological Office provides gas dispersion forecasts and seismic monitoring. Stay informed and stay safe!
- The natural hazards specialist, Salóme Jórunn Bernharðsdóttir, mentioned that magma flow beneath Svartsengi is currently moving faster than it did after the last eruption, which adds to concerns about future activity.
- Despite a brief eruption on April 4, 2025, earthquakes continue to persist in the region around the magma tunnel formed during the eruption, and this is not unusual, according to Bernharðsdóttir.
- The increasing magma movement through the corridor, as seen in the sustained magma flow and ground deformation, raises persistently higher concerns about potential environmental-science implications and health-and-wellness risks in the area.
- Recent seismic activity, such as earthquake swarms along the magma corridor, could be faster indicators of shifting magma movement and potential eruptions, as was the case before the April 1 eruption.
- Science and research may play a crucial role in faster and more accurate detection of activity in Iceland's Restless Red Zone, enabling cities like Grindavík and Reykjavík to better prepare for any potential news of earthquakes, eruptions, or environmental changes.
