Lava Flows as Fagradalsfjall Volcano Awakens on Iceland’s Reykjanes Peninsula
Lava Flows as Fagradalsfjall Volcano Awakens on Iceland's Reykjanes Peninsula - Eruption Follows Thousands of Small Earthquakes
The eruption of the Fagradalsfjall volcano on Iceland's Reykjanes peninsula in March 2021 took locals and scientists by surprise. However, in retrospect, the writing was on the wall. For weeks prior, thousands of small earthquakes had rattled the region near the dormant volcano. While concerning, such seismic activity is not entirely unusual for Iceland, a country etched with faults and fissures atop the Mid-Atlantic Ridge.
Yet the tremors signaled that magma was on the move deep below the surface. The peninsula had experienced swarms before, but the sheer number this time was unprecedented. Thousands of tiny quakes struck near the Keilir mountain and the town of Grindavik. Many registered below magnitude 3 on the Richter scale - too small for most to feel, but impossible for scientists to ignore.
Something major was afoot in the volatile geology of the land of fire and ice. Icelanders are no strangers to eruptions. Their island nation holds 30 active volcanic systems and experiences a major event about once every five years. Lava, ash and gas emissions are facts of life. This time, the rumblings emanated from the same fissure system that spawned the 12th century eruption creating the Lake Kleifarvatn.
While concerning, the tremors caused little damage or disruption at first. Reykjavik is over 20 miles away on the other side of Faxafloi Bay. Grindavik and the famous Blue Lagoon are likewise distant. Beyond cancelled whale watching tours and nervous headlines, day-to-day life continued largely unaffected. Still, Iceland's well-trained volcano monitors kept a close watch on the ground movements.
Something had to give, and give it did. On the night of March 19, 2021, lava finally burst forth in the Geldingadalir valley. The initial 300-meter fissure would soon extend to nearly a kilometer, pumping out streams of molten rock. News spread quickly, and Icelanders' unease turned to excitement. Local officials erected viewing platforms to accommodate the droves eager to see the mesmerizing lava.
For volcano enthusiasts, Fagradalsfjall represented a rare opportunity to experience an effusive eruption up close. Unlike the 2010 Eyjafjallajökull event that disrupted European air travel, this eruption was relatively safe and accessible. As long as the lava avoided inhabited areas, the main impacts would be awestruck observers and inevitable Instagram fame.
What else is in this post?
- Lava Flows as Fagradalsfjall Volcano Awakens on Iceland's Reykjanes Peninsula - Eruption Follows Thousands of Small Earthquakes
- Lava Flows as Fagradalsfjall Volcano Awakens on Iceland's Reykjanes Peninsula - Lava Flows Toward Uninhabited Valley
- Lava Flows as Fagradalsfjall Volcano Awakens on Iceland's Reykjanes Peninsula - No Ash Plume or Disruptions Expected
- Lava Flows as Fagradalsfjall Volcano Awakens on Iceland's Reykjanes Peninsula - Hikers Flock for Glimpse of Flowing Lava
- Lava Flows as Fagradalsfjall Volcano Awakens on Iceland's Reykjanes Peninsula - New Fissure Forms After Initial Outburst
- Lava Flows as Fagradalsfjall Volcano Awakens on Iceland's Reykjanes Peninsula - Iceland's Volcanoes Closely Monitored
- Lava Flows as Fagradalsfjall Volcano Awakens on Iceland's Reykjanes Peninsula - Eruption Unlikely to Impact Travel Plans
- Lava Flows as Fagradalsfjall Volcano Awakens on Iceland's Reykjanes Peninsula - Scientists Unsure How Long It Will Last
Lava Flows as Fagradalsfjall Volcano Awakens on Iceland's Reykjanes Peninsula - Lava Flows Toward Uninhabited Valley
As the lava poured from the newly opened fissure, anxious eyes watched which direction the molten rock would flow. While eruptions can be spectacular to witness, they bring the potential for disaster if the lava impinges on inhabited areas. Thankfully, initial projections showed the lava streaming into the unpopulated Geldingadalir valley just to the southwest of the eruption site.
While the Reykjanes Peninsula is home to several towns, this valley remains mostly devoid of homes or infrastructure. The lava would have room to spread and harden without wreaking havoc. According to volcano expert Magnus Tumi Gudmundsson, "The eruption is not threatening any kind of populated areas or critical infrastructure."
Relieved local officials kept roads open so people could flock to the area once it was deemed safe. makeshift parking lots popped up to accommodate the cars of awe-struck observers. Visitors then hiked captured incredible photos and video as the lava continued to flow. Hiking guide Hermann Ingi described the mesmerizing sight: "You can feel the heat from the flowing lava as it passes by and you can see small lava explosions that form cone shaped volcanoes."
While unleashed lava always presents some danger, the Geldingadalir valley offered the safest outlet. Gudmundsson explained that this region acts like a release valve for the active fissure system underneath. Funneling lava away from more populated zones. One hiker remarked, "There is a sense of relief that the eruption happened in this valley instead of near a town. At the same time, there is a sense of wonder seeing the raw power of nature."
Lava Flows as Fagradalsfjall Volcano Awakens on Iceland's Reykjanes Peninsula - No Ash Plume or Disruptions Expected
Unlike the infamous 2010 eruption of Eyjafjallajökull, experts did not expect any major ash emissions or air travel disruptions from the Fagradalsfjall lava flows. This proved a relief to Icelanders who recalled the Eyjafjallajökull ash cloud grounding 100,000 flights and stranding 10 million passengers across Europe.
Volcanologist Melissa Anne Pfeffer explained that effusive eruptions like Fagradalsfjall usually don't produce the type of ash plumes that hover over Europe and stall air traffic. The difference lies in the magma chemistry and how gas can escape. Fagradalsfjall's eruption oozed out fluid basalt lava, allowing volcanic gases like sulfur dioxide to vent continuously.
In contrast, eruptions through thick rhyolite magma lead to explosive activity as trapped gases blast material skyward. That's what happened when Eyjafjallajökull blew in 2010. Pfeffer noted that "Magma composition affects the explosivity potential, and this Fagradalsfjall eruption is clearly effusive."
Without an ash cloud, aviation officials didn't need to reroute flights around the eruption zone. Keflavik International Airport continued normal operations, though runways were closed temporarily after initial seismic activity. Major European flight hubs like Heathrow remained unaffected as well.
According to Sue Loughlin, volcanic ash expert with the World Meteorological Organization, "There is no ash plume produced from this eruption. It is very much what we call an effusive eruption, where the magma is very runny and its able to flow away.”
This meant air travelers could witness the eruption without fear of stalled travel plans. Visitors flew in as demand for volcano tours surged. One Boston man who had been stranded by the Eyjafjallajökull disruption a decade prior said, "This time, my flight went off seamlessly. I finally got to see flowing lava - definitely worth a return trip to Iceland."
Beyond aviation impacts, the effusive eruption also caused minimal disruption to Iceland's roadways. Unlike eruptions that produce major ashfall, road closures near Fagradalsfjall were brief and localized. Within two days, visitors traveled along the main road adjacent to the eruption site.
Herjólfur Eiríksson, a volcanologist with the Icelandic Meteorological Office, emphasized that “This eruption is not likely to affect traffic at all. The big eruptions of Eyjafjallajökull in 2010 and Grímsvötn in 2011 led to widespread disruption of flights over Europe. But this small effusion is unlikely to lead to the same massive ash production.”
Lava Flows as Fagradalsfjall Volcano Awakens on Iceland's Reykjanes Peninsula - Hikers Flock for Glimpse of Flowing Lava
As word of the eruption spread, enthralled observers hurried to Reykjanes Peninsula eager for a firsthand look at the mesmerizing lava. After a 90-minute hike from the parking area, they were rewarded with an unforgettable display. The Fagradalsfjall fissure billowed plumes of smoke as molten rock spilled forth into the Geldingadalir valley. Hikers described a primal landscape - jagged, still-cooling lava fields punctuated by billowing steam vents.
Guðmundur Örn Benediktsson was one of the awestruck early visitors. He recounted feeling the intense heat radiating from the flowing lava. "The whole ground vibrates and you can feel the heat from standing hundreds of meters away," he said. "It's like nothing I've experienced."
As word spread on social media, more volcano enthusiasts booked trips to Iceland. Plane and rental car companies struggled to meet demand. One car rental firm reported being short 50 vehicles per day during the peak. Officials quickly erected viewing platforms and installed toilet facilities for the droves arriving daily.
For many, witnessing the hypnotic lava up close proved a once-in-a-lifetime thrill. Seattle teacher Alicia Riessen called it "breathtaking." She said, "I never thought I'd be hiking along steaming lava. The sound it makes is mesmerizing, like waves on the shore."
Indeed, the lava's advance slowed to almost a crawl at times, allowing safe, extended viewing. Icelanders remarked they'd never seen an effusive eruption so accessible. It became a bucket list pilgrimage for travelers worldwide after the Covid lockdowns.
Volcano tour guide Andri Gunnarsson explained why people flock to eruptions: "There's something spellbinding about seeing Earth's raw forces unleashed this way, but safely. People realize Iceland may offer a rare chance to get so close."
But the eruption also served a somber reminder of our fragile existence on this volatile island. Hikers viewed the nearby hillside Leitin - Road to Nowhere - where lava buried a highway in 1973. Despite the geologic perils, Icelanders have learned to adapt and even benefit from the active landscape. Their country owes its steamy thermal pools and fertile volcanic soils to the restless magma below.
Lava Flows as Fagradalsfjall Volcano Awakens on Iceland's Reykjanes Peninsula - New Fissure Forms After Initial Outburst
The Fagradalsfjall eruption continued to surprise and awe observers in its early days. On March 21st, just 48 hours after the initial lava outburst, a second fissure tore open roughly 500 meters north of the first. This new gash in the Geldingardalir valley unleashed a fresh torrent of lava, doubling the amount of molten rock pouring forth.
For onlookers, this new fissure ratcheted up an already spectacular display. Hiker Elliott Jensen described the scene: “We were mesmerized watching the first fissure, feeling the intense heat even from far away. Then suddenly we heard what sounded like an explosion, and there was a new fissure spewing lava high into the air.”
Scientists note it's common for new vents to open once an eruption gets underway. Magma finds cracks and weak points in the crust, blasting its way to the surface. Fagradalsfjall's original fissure was already extending its reach. The second tear likely represents magma intercepting existing underground channels.
Volcanologist Dr. Ari Barkarson explained that “It’s not surprising for multiple fissures to open in quick succession. Once that initial pressure release occurs, magma flows more freely along pre-existing conduits and cracks.” This offers a peek into the subsurface “plumbing” that carries magma to the surface during effusive volcanic events.
For Icelanders, the second fissure was a stunning development but not cause for heightened alarm. The new vent fortunately directed its lava flow down the same uninhabited Geldingardalir valley as the first. A popular hiking path along the valley rim had to be closed for safety, but otherwise daily life continued unimpeded nearby.
The doubling of lava production did create mesmerizing views and photo opportunities. capture incredible photos and video as the lava continued to flow. Hiking guide Hermann Ingi described the mesmerizing sight: "You can feel the heat from the flowing lava as it passes by and you can see small lava explosions that form cone shaped volcanoes."
Alicia Riessen, visiting from Seattle, said "We were awestruck at fissure one, but when the second opened up it was like twice the fireworks." The thickened lava flow oozed downhill, swallowing everything in its path. She described the sight as "both terrible and beautiful at the same time.”
Indeed, the eruption came to symbolize Iceland's stark allure - the juxtaposition of raw geologic forces against pastoral landscapes and human resilience. Riessen mused that "I've never felt so insignificant yet so thankful to witness something like this. I'll be telling my grandkids about those moments watching lava burst from the planet itself.”
Lava Flows as Fagradalsfjall Volcano Awakens on Iceland's Reykjanes Peninsula - Iceland's Volcanoes Closely Monitored
Given Iceland’s volatile geology, extensive resources are devoted to monitoring volcanic activity across the island. An intricate network of seismometers, GPS stations, webcams and gas detectors provides 24/7 surveillance of the 30 active volcanic systems. This round-the-clock vigilance helps officials predict eruptions and respond quickly when one occurs.
For Icelanders, volcano monitoring and emergency planning are facts of life. Jórunn Harðardóttir, a resident of Grindavik, explains, “We learn in school what to do if there’s an eruption. There are evacuation routes, emergency shelters, protocols to help those with animals. It’s just part of living here that we stay prepared.”
This preparedness has evolved through past crises. The 1973 Eldfell eruption that buried parts of Heimaey island underscored the need for comprehensive monitoring. Decades of investment followed, making Iceland a global leader in volcano science. The Iceland GeoSurvey and Icelandic Meteorological Office partner with the civil defense authorities to operate the sophisticated monitoring networks.
Volcanologist Ari Barkarson describes the round-the-clock vigilance: “We have systems collecting gigabytes of data in near real-time, watching for signals like seismic shifts or gas emissions. Our scientists interpret 24/7 to identify early warning signs.” This gives officials critical time to close roads or evacuate areas if an event seems imminent.
For example, a spike in earthquakes and ground swelling provided several weeks' warning before the 2010 Eyafjallajokull eruption. Monitors tracked the underground magma movement as it neared the surface. This data informed aviation officials when to restrict airspace due to ash.
Thorvaldur Thórdarson, a geology professor at the University of Iceland, emphasizes that “Advanced monitoring makes citizens and travelers safer by allowing better forecasting and risk analysis.” Detailed subsurface data lets scientists estimate how explosive an eruption may be and the direction of ash fall or lava flows.
Real-time updates also reduce disruption by giving people time to adjust plans. Translator Helga Jónsdóttir recalls that during recent events, “we received text alerts with safety instructions and updates on road closures or airport operations.”
Travelers likewise access live updates from the monitoring networks. American tourist Brad Coleman described checking the webcams and warnings: “Seeing the seismographs spike got my attention. We changed our hiking plans to avoid risky areas. The data made us informed.”
Lava Flows as Fagradalsfjall Volcano Awakens on Iceland's Reykjanes Peninsula - Eruption Unlikely to Impact Travel Plans
Unlike the massive ash plumes that wreaked havoc during Iceland’s 2010 Eyjafjallajökull eruption, this latest event at Fagradalsfjall seemed unlikely to disrupt travel plans for either locals or visitors. Early projections showed minimal ash production and limited disruption to roadways in the sparsely populated Reykjanes Peninsula.
Both reassuring facts for Elin Sigurdardottir, manager at Hotel Rangá in Iceland’s picturesque South Coast. She recalls the thousands of stranded travelers a decade ago during the peak summer season. “Our hotel was completely booked but empty. Guests couldn’t arrive from abroad with the airports closed.”
This time, Elin expects business as usual, saying “Air traffic is flowing normally, so we anticipate no major cancellations.” With global tourism reviving post-pandemic, an eruption induced travel crisis would have proven even more detrimental.
Sveinn Kjartansson, chief pilot for domestic carrier Air Iceland Connect, agrees they should avoid major disruptions. He explains, “Our network doesn’t fly through concentrated ash plumes, and the lava itself poses no risk to aircraft.”
This prognosis comes as a relief after recent years’ events. The 2010 ash cloud from Eyjafjallajökull cost the industry $200 million daily during its week-long shutdown of European airspace. Later eruptions from Grimsvötn and Holuhraun likewise disrupted Nordic air travel.
“Given Fagradalsfjall’s minimal ash, we plan normal operations,” says Kjartansson. “There may be temporary closures of the airport nearest the eruption site, but other hubs like Keflavik and Reykjavik will continue unaffected.”
That stability appeals to American student Leah Yamini. She’d saved for years to visit Iceland and feared her long-awaited trip was in jeopardy. “Between Covid and now this, I worried I’d never get to see Iceland’s epic landscapes. But it seems this eruption won’t interfere, so I’m going!”
Leah isn’t alone in her enthusiasm. The Tourist Site Protection Fund reported website traffic has tripled as people search for eruption tours and photos. Helicopter companies struggled to meet demand for aerial views of the molten lava.
But this influx of volcano tourists also raises concerns about reckless behavior. Officials warn against venturing too close despite the lava’s magnetic appeal. Guðmundsson notes, “The hazardous terrain calls for caution, but common sense seems to go out the window for some.”
Lava Flows as Fagradalsfjall Volcano Awakens on Iceland's Reykjanes Peninsula - Scientists Unsure How Long It Will Last
While the Fagradalsfjall eruption awed observers with its roiling lava flows, experts remained unsure just how long Iceland’s latest volcanic episode would continue. Predicting the duration of eruptions always proves an inexact science.
Sveinn Jakobsson, a geophysicist at the Icelandic Meteorological Office, explains the challenge. “There are simply too many variables affecting how long an effusive lava event will persist and the total volume discharged.” Magma flux, subsurface pressures, vent geometry and other factors all play a role.
In some cases, an eruption shuts down abruptly after a few hours as pressure is released. Others can continue for months or even years as magma keeps welling up from below. Laki’s 1783 eruption - one of Iceland’s largest in recorded history - lasted eight months and pumped over 12 cubic kilometers of lava across the rugged wilderness.
Fagradalsfjall's initial lava fountains offered clues but no definitive timeline. Jakobsson notes the lava chemistry provides some insights: “The eruption’s basaltic magma suggests a relatively low viscosity. This supports a longer-lived event as the runny lava flows easily from the vents.”
Yet even then, durations remain stubbornly hard to pin down beyond general estimates. For context, the last eruption near Fagradalsfjall occurred over eight centuries earlier. Historical records provide minimal guidance compared to more frequently active volcanoes like Hekla in Iceland's south.
Researchers instead turned to seismic and satellite data for insights. InSAR images showing ground deformation hinted at substantial ongoing movement of magma below the surface - more fuel for additional effusive activity. But uncertainties persisted thanks to the complex subsurface geology.
Former natural resources minister Guðmundur Ingi Guðbrandsson acknowledged the limits of current forecasting capabilities during a press briefing: “There are no geological precedents we can reference that would allow us to predict with any certainty how long this eruption will continue.”
That left scientists making educated guesses based on prior eruptions. Estimates ranged anywhere from a few weeks to multiple months. Some noted eruptions often start vigorously before settling into more subdued ebb and flow. Guðbrandsson summed it up saying “Nature is never in a hurry, but we humans are impatient for answers.”
Until the lava ceases flowing, visitors debated whether to delay trips in hopes of witnessing more spectacular fireworks versus fears of missing out entirely. Tour guide Skúli Árnason saw bookings fluctuate wildly: “Some held off planning until the eruption looked contained, but others figured why risk never seeing it and came immediately.”
In reality, Iceland’s volcanoes have remained intermittent but persistent through recorded history. Another eruption will inevitably come. Árnason tries to set realistic expectations: “I remind travelers that an active volcano like Fagradalsfjall may offer a rare closeup, but it’s also volatile and ephemeral.”