Volcanic eruption in southern Iceland

There was a recent volcanic eruption in southern Iceland on the Reykjanes Peninsula. It was actually the fourth eruption in that area since December 2023! The latest eruption occurred on March 16, 2024.

Here's a summary of the event:

This eruption is considered the strongest out of the four so far.

Lava flows threatened the nearby town of Grindavik, which had already been evacuated earlier due to previous eruptions.

A state of emergency was declared in the region.

There have been no reported disruptions to air travel so far.

There are numerous volcanoes scattered across southern Iceland, each with its own unique characteristics and history. Here are some of the most prominent ones:

Hekla: Nicknamed "The Gateway to Hell" due to its frequent and fiery eruptions, Hekla is Iceland's most active volcano. Erupting every 10-30 years, Hekla's volatility can range from spewing plumes of ash that blanket vast regions to powerful blasts that reshape the landscape.

Hengill: This extensive volcanic system stretches for 60 kilometers and boasts a history of eruptions within the Holocene era, the most recent geological epoch. While not currently active, Hengill simmers with geothermal energy, making it a source of hot springs and a fascinating spot to witness volcanic activity in a less dramatic form.

Grímsnes: Part of a larger volcanic system that incorporates the Katla caldera, Grímsnes is a lesser-known but geologically significant volcano. While its past eruptions have helped shape the southern Icelandic landscape, Grímsnes slumbers peacefully for now.

Vestmannaeyjar: This captivating archipelago south of Iceland's mainland is a cluster of volcanic islands. Formed by a series of eruptions over the past 10,000 years, Vestmannaeyjar offers a glimpse into Iceland's fiery past and a chance to explore volcanic landscapes sculpted by time and molten rock.

In addition to these southern giants, a volcano on the Reykjanes peninsula, southwest of Reykjavík, surprised everyone with its recent activity. Dormant for nearly 800 years, the Reykjanes volcanic system rumbled back to life in December 2023, erupting four times by March 2024. These eruptions, while causing evacuations in the nearby town of Grindavík, presented a unique opportunity to witness the awakening of a slumbering giant.