Context:

A volcanic eruption occurred in Iceland near Reykjavik, originating from the Sundhnukur crater, marking the 12th eruption in four years from the same volcanic system. Despite emitting clouds of gray smoke and a small amount of lava, the eruption did not threaten people or infrastructure. Authorities evacuated both the nearby fishing village of Grindavik and the Blue Lagoon, a popular geothermal spa, prior to the eruption. The Icelandic Meteorological Office reported the eruptive fissure being about half a mile long, with lava primarily flowing southeast and away from infrastructure. Although southeasterly winds could potentially blow volcanic gas clouds toward the main international airport, flights remained unaffected as of early morning local time.

Dive Deeper:

• The volcanic eruption in Iceland was the 12th from the same volcanic system near Reykjavik over the past four years, indicating a marked increase in volcanic activity in the region.

• The eruption produced gray smoke and a small lava flow that did not pose a threat to people or infrastructure, according to Gisli Olafsson of the Icelandic Red Cross.

• Magma surfaced at the Sundhnukur crater at 3:56 a.m. local time, following several earthquakes in the area, as reported by the Icelandic Meteorological Office.

• Both Grindavik, a nearby fishing village, and the Blue Lagoon spa were evacuated as a precautionary measure, though the operation status of the spa following the eruption remained unclear.

• The lava flowed southeast, away from populated areas, and no damages or injuries were reported, although there was potential for volcanic gas to drift toward the international airport.

• Despite the eruption's proximity to the airport, flights were not affected as of the early hours following the eruption, ensuring continued travel operations.

• The frequency of eruptions in the Svartsengi volcanic system, which includes the Sundhnukur crater, has significantly increased compared to historical averages of once every three to four years.