The Reykjanes Peninsula in southwestern Iceland is once again capturing global attention, as the Fagradalsfjall volcanic system has erupted, marking another dramatic chapter in the island nation’s geologically active history.
This latest eruption, which began near Sundhnukar on November 20, 2024, has ignited spectacular scenes of lava flows and raised both excitement and concerns among locals and tourists.
Captured mid-air by a passenger plane, the eruption’s striking visuals underscore Iceland’s status as a volcanic hot spot and highlight the delicate balance between natural beauty and potential danger.
Reawakening of a Dormant Giant
Fagradalsfjall, a once-dormant volcano, had remained silent for over 800 years before its reawakening in 2021. The Reykjanes Peninsula, where the volcano is located, is part of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge—a tectonic boundary where the Eurasian and North American plates are slowly pulling apart.
Read : Volcano Near Blue Lagoon Erupts Seventh Time in Year in Iceland: Watch
Unlike the iconic, cone-shaped volcanoes commonly depicted in media, Fagradalsfjall exhibits rift activity, characterized by fissures in the earth’s crust that allow magma to escape in slow, effusive flows.
According to Thomas Algeo, a professor of earth sciences at the University of Cincinnati, this type of eruption is less explosive and poses fewer immediate threats to life compared to subduction-zone volcanoes, but it still commands respect and caution.
The current eruption’s fissure, stretching 1.8 miles, has already impacted the surrounding area, including the famed Blue Lagoon—a geothermal spa visited by millions each year—and the nearby town of Grindavik.
Fagradalsfjall volcano eruption in Iceland
— Massimo (@Rainmaker1973) April 9, 2024
[📹 Hermann Helguson]pic.twitter.com/K9HlY2thlu
Authorities quickly evacuated these areas to ensure public safety, as lava flows approached infrastructure. Videos and drone footage from the region reveal rivers of molten rock, painting an otherworldly landscape against Iceland’s stark terrain.
A Pattern of Eruptions and Geological Significance
This event is not an isolated incident. Fagradalsfjall has seen a series of eruptions since 2021, with seven recorded in 2024 alone. Experts like Tobias Fischer, director of the Volatiles Laboratory at the University of New Mexico, suggest that this pattern could signal the beginning of a prolonged period of volcanic activity on the Reykjanes Peninsula.
Historically, eruptions in this region occur in cycles, sometimes spanning centuries. Shawn Willsey, a geology professor at the College of Southern Idaho, emphasizes that each eruption relieves pressure from underground magma chambers, which then refill and set the stage for future activity.
Icelandic Volcano eruption caught on camera on an @easyJet flight.
— Freedom Cowboy (@FreedomCowboyy) November 22, 2024
The volcano is pumping out millions of tonnes of C02.
But please do your bit and stop eating cheeseburgers 🤦♂️ pic.twitter.com/SjhDEpgZGj
This cycle could continue for years, or even centuries, raising questions about long-term impacts on the region’s infrastructure and inhabitants.
The Mid-Atlantic Ridge, which runs through Iceland, is a key feature in understanding the island’s volcanic activity. While much of this tectonic boundary is submerged beneath the Atlantic Ocean, Iceland’s unique geology brings it above sea level, creating an environment of constant geological change.
The western rift zone, including the Reykjanes Peninsula, has been relatively quiet for centuries, with most volcanic activity concentrated in the less populated northern and eastern zones. However, this recent surge in activity has drawn attention back to the more densely inhabited western regions, including Reykjavik, Iceland’s capital.
Impact on Local Communities and Global Implications
The current eruption has already caused disruption, consuming infrastructure and prompting evacuations. The lava reached the parking lot of the Blue Lagoon, destroying a service building, though there is no immediate danger to larger structures or flights from Keflavik International Airport.
The Icelandic Department of Civil Protection and Emergency Management has worked swiftly to monitor the situation, ensuring that gas emissions—expected to drift south and out to sea—pose minimal risk to public health.
For Icelanders, living with volcanic activity is a way of life. However, the recent eruptions serve as a reminder of the potential for significant disruption. Historically, Iceland has faced devastating volcanic events, such as the 1783 Laki eruption, which released massive amounts of toxic gases, leading to widespread famine and the loss of a quarter of the population.
More recently, the 2010 Eyjafjallajokull eruption caused global chaos by spewing ash into the atmosphere, disrupting transatlantic air travel for weeks. Such events highlight the interconnectedness of Iceland’s geological activity with global systems, from air travel to climate.
In the context of the current eruption, emergency officials are closely monitoring gas emissions, which can pose health risks even if lava flows do not directly threaten populated areas. The potential for future eruptions in this region also raises questions about long-term preparedness and infrastructure resilience.
As Algeo points out, the relatively “tourist-friendly” nature of these effusive eruptions—slow-moving and visually stunning—should not lead to complacency. Each event is a reminder of the island’s volatile nature and the need for ongoing vigilance.
The eruption of Fagradalsfjall on the Reykjanes Peninsula is a captivating spectacle that underscores Iceland’s dynamic geological landscape. While the current activity has been less violent than some historical eruptions, its impacts on local communities and infrastructure are significant.
For now, the world watches as lava flows slowly reshape the land, a reminder of both the beauty and power of nature. As scientists continue to study this volcanic system, the insights gained will not only help predict future activity in Iceland but also contribute to our broader understanding of volcanic processes around the world.
let’s enjoy few years on earth with peace and happiness….✍🏼🙏