A state of emergency has been declared in southern Iceland due to another volcanic eruption on the Reykjanes Peninsula – the fourth since December. The eruption, which began on the evening of March 16, has forced residents of Grindavik to evacuate and has also affected the nearby Blue Lagoon tourist attraction.
The eruption, described as the most powerful one so far by geophysicist Magnus Tumi Gudmundsson, has resulted in the movement of lava towards Grindavik and the Blue Lagoon. There are concerns about potential damage to infrastructure such as fibre optic cables and disruptions to phone and internet services.
This recent eruption is part of a series of volcanic activities in the region since 2021. Iceland, with 33 active volcano systems, sits on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, a tectonic boundary prone to volcanic activity. The Reykjanes Peninsula last experienced volcanic eruptions 800 years ago, and experts believe the area is entering a new volcanic era that could last for decades or even centuries.
Despite the ongoing volcanic activity, Keflavik International Airport and other regional airports remain unaffected. Authorities are closely monitoring the situation and taking necessary precautions to ensure the safety of residents and visitors in the area.
In conclusion, the recent volcanic eruption in Iceland highlights the unpredictable nature of the country’s geology and serves as a reminder of the powerful forces at work beneath the Earth’s surface.
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