Eruptions Unleashed: Reykjanes' Volcanic Awakening Saga

Since 2021, Iceland's Reykjanes peninsula has experienced numerous volcanic eruptions after centuries of dormancy. Experts predict continued fissure eruptions for centuries. Notable eruptions include those near Hagafell, Grindavik, and the Blue Lagoon. These eruptions have caused evacuations, damaged infrastructure, and drawn tourists, highlighting the region's volatile nature.

Iceland's Reykjanes peninsula has seen a string of volcanic eruptions since 2021 when geological systems dormant for around 800 years became active again.

Experts say the region, just south of the capital Reykjavik and home to 30,000 people, could experience so-called fissure eruptions repeatedly for several centuries. Following is a timeline of recent eruptions:

MAY 29, 2024 An eruption started near Hagafell on the Reykjanes peninsula after intense seismic activity in the area.

The nearby fishing town Grindavik, the Blue Lagoon luxury geothermal spa, and a geothermal power plant in Svartsengi were evacuated ahead of the magma outburst. MARCH 16, 2024

The eruption between the Hagafell and Store-Skogfell peaks lasted for 54 days, making it the second-longest on the Reykjanes peninsula since 2021. It erupted in the same area as the previous outburst and spewed smoke, molten rock and bright orange lava from an estimated 3 km (two-mile) fissure.

FEB. 8, 2024 This eruption lasted roughly a day, with lava spewing 80 meters (260 feet) high from a 3 km crack.

Lava flows damaged pipelines after which hot water supply used to warm homes was cut off during freezing winter temperatures. The Blue Lagoon closed after lava covered a road. JAN. 14, 2024

The eruption lasted two days, and the lava flow reached the outskirts of Grindavik, home to nearly 4,000 inhabitants, setting three houses alight. DEC. 18, 2023

An eruption in the Svartsengi volcanic system near Grindavik sent lava and smoke across a wide area after weeks of intense earthquake activity. A roughly 4-km (2-1/2-mile) long crack in the ground stretched towards Grindavik. JULY 10, 2023

The small eruption of the Litli Hrutur volcanic system, some 60 km (37 miles) from the capital, resulted in gas pollution from lava, though it was far from any densely populated areas. AUG. 3, 2022

The three-week eruption in the Fagradalsfjall volcanic system started after days of earthquake activity. Due to poisonous gases, tourists and residents were asked to avoid the area and a "code red" stopped airplanes flying over the site. MARCH 19, 2021

Lava fountains erupted from a 500 to 750 meters (1,640 to 2,460 feet) long fissure in the Fagradalsfjall system. Volcanic activity in the area continued for six months, prompting thousands of tourists to visit. More than 40,000 earthquakes occurred on the peninsula in the month leading up to the eruption, a huge jump from the 1,000 to 3,000 earthquakes each year since 2014.

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