The Reykjanes Peninsula in Iceland has experienced its fourth volcanic eruption in the last 3 months. As a result, a 3-kilometre-long crack was created between the mountains. Find out more about the peculiarities of volcanic eruptions in Iceland and scientists' forecasts of such natural disasters

Volcanic eruptions in Iceland are part of the country's unpredictable seismic activity. The Reykjanes Peninsula is known for its huge potential volcanic eruption zones. The latest incident, which has occurred for the fourth time in the last 3 months, has a number of important consequences and challenges for local residents, scientists and environmentalists alike.

According to the Icelandic Meteorological Office (IMO), the volcanic eruption started between Hagafell and Stora Skogfell on the peninsula. This is the same area where the previous eruption occurred on 8 February.

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Recent volcanic eruptions in Iceland

The eruption site is located a few kilometres northeast of Grindavik, a city on the coast with a population of 3,800, and about 50 kilometres southwest of the capital Reykjavik. Residents were evacuated before the first eruption. This is the fourth eruption in three months and the seventh in three years. Until March 2021, there had been no eruptions on the peninsula for almost 800 years.

Experts from the Icelandic Meteorological Centre recorded about 80 earthquakes. The rift is about 3 kilometres long, which is the same size as the previous eruption in February. Most residents of Grindavik have temporarily moved in with friends or relatives. A few people who returned after the previous eruption were evacuated again. The Icelandic government is already considering a bill that would allow residents to sell their homes to a state-owned company.

Scientists' forecasts of earthquakes in Iceland

Following the new eruptions, volcanologists have noted that this could mean the beginning of a new phase of seismic activity in the region. Experts warn that this process could last for decades. 

The Icelandic authorities have begun building dams to divert lava flows away from homes and important infrastructure to prevent possible damage and risks to the population.

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