Iceland's second-largest volcano, Bárðarbunga, is showing signs of a potential eruption after experiencing a swarm of 130 earthquakes in five hours. The Icelandic Meteorological Office (IMO) raised the aviation color-code to yellow, indicating heightened volcanic activity. The volcano last erupted in 2014/15, prompting a red travel alert. While there was minimal impact on flights due to low ash production, the 2014-2015 Holuhraun eruption was the largest in Iceland for over 300 years.
READ MORE: Stunned EasyJet passenger films eruption of Iceland ic volcanoOne of Iceland 's largest volcanoes is on the brink of erupting, experts have warned.
The volcano's previous eruption in 2014/15 emitted large volumes of sulphur dioxide and impacted air quality. 'The observed seismicity is consistent with increased pressure caused by magma accumulation, which has been ongoing since the last eruption in 2015.' Earthquake activity has been increasing gradually in Bárðarbunga over recent months and four earthquakes measuring magnitude 5 or higher were detected in 2024, the department added.
On August 29, 2014, a fissure eruption started in Holuhraun at the northern end of a magma intrusion that had moved progressively north, from the Bardarbunga volcano. Bardarbunga is a stratovolcano located under Vatnajokull, Iceland's most extensive glacier Advertisement However, unlike recent eruptions in the Reykjanes Peninsula, Bárðarbunga is located in a more remote area, within Iceland's largest ice cap, meaning people and infrastructure are less at risk.
'However, earthquake swarms like the recent one are not necessarily leading to an eruption, and it is thus too early to be certain. Iceland is a particular hotspot for seismic activity because it sits on a tectonic plate boundary called the Mid Atlantic Ridge ' may be forcing its way into new areas and causing fracturing of the rock at depth, but whether there is enough volume or pressure for this to reach the surface isn’t clear yet.
'If those conditions exist, it's possible that large tectonic earthquakes might cause dissolved gases to come out of the magma , increasing the pressure and possibly leading to an eruption,' USGS says. The most recent eruptions in 2024 led to the evacuation of the fishing town of Grindavik and the Blue Lagoon resort
For many locals, the events have revived the trauma of the disastrous explosion at another of Iceland's volcanoes, Eyjafjallajokull, back in 2010. Seismic activity had started at the end of 2009 and had intensified up until March 20, when the volcano - which is covered by an ice cap - finally erupted.
A huge ash cloud was fired into the air, reaching up to nine kilometres in height. Around 250 million cubic metres of volcanic material was also spewed into the air as a result of the explosion.
VOLCANOES EARTHQUAKES ICELAND BARÐARBUNGA ERUPTION AVIATION VOLCANIC ASH
United Kingdom Latest News, United Kingdom Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Iceland's Bárðarbunga Volcano Shows Signs of EruptionExperts warn of a potential eruption at Iceland's second-largest volcano, Bárðarbunga, due to a swarm of 130 earthquakes within five hours. The aviation color-code has been raised from green to yellow as a precaution. Bárðarbunga last erupted a decade ago, and while the 2014/15 eruption didn't significantly impact flights, the current activity warrants close monitoring.
Read more »
Where is La Palma filmed? Exploring the Stunning (and Volcanic) IslandThe Norwegian series La Palma follows a family's tropical Christmas vacation that turns into a disaster when a volcano erupts. The show was filmed on the real island of La Palma off the coast of Spain, known for its beautiful beaches and active Cumbre Vieja volcano. While the volcano didn't erupt during filming, it did erupt in late 2021, causing significant damage and prompting evacuations. The show also utilized the Labranda Isla Bonita Hotel in Tenerife for some interior scenes.
Read more »
Iceland Announces Changes to Delivery Services Ahead of ChristmasIceland, a popular frozen food supermarket in the UK, is making changes to its delivery services during the Christmas period. Same-day delivery will be unavailable from Saturday 21st to Tuesday 24th December.
Read more »
Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland Christmas Opening Hours 2023This article provides details about the opening hours of supermarkets Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland during the Christmas period. It highlights that these supermarkets will remain open until Christmas Eve and advises readers to check their local store websites for specific timings.
Read more »
Iceland's Festive Feast in a Box ReviewThis article reviews Iceland's Christmas dinner in a box, highlighting its convenience, taste, and value for money.
Read more »
Iceland Pauses Same-Day Delivery Ahead of ChristmasIceland shoppers will need to plan ahead for their Christmas deliveries as the supermarket giant temporarily suspends same-day service.
Read more »