2023–2024 Sundhnúkur eruptions

Coordinates: 63°52′45″N 22°23′14″W / 63.87917°N 22.38722°W / 63.87917; -22.38722
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2023–2024 Sundhnúkur eruptions
The 2023 eruption photographed by the Icelandic Meteorological Office on 18 December 2023
VolcanoEldvörp–Svartsengi
Start date18 December 2023 (2023-12-18)
Start time22:17 UTC
End dateOngoing
TypeFissure eruption
LocationReykjanes Peninsula, Iceland
63°52′45″N 22°23′14″W / 63.87917°N 22.38722°W / 63.87917; -22.38722
ImpactEarthquakes, ground subsidence, lava fountains, lava flows; town of Grindavík heavily damaged and evacuated; damage to regional infrastructure; 1 death from ground cracking

The 2023–2024 Sundhnúkur eruptions are an ongoing series of volcanic eruptions in the Reykjanes peninsula, near the town of Grindavík, Iceland. As of 26 February 2024, there have been three eruptions between December 2023 and February 2024, following an intense series of earthquakes. Although localised, the seismic and volcanic activity have caused significant disruption across the western part of the peninsula.

The eruptions were preceded by an intense earthquake swarm in the Eldvörp–Svartsengi volcanic system that began on 24 October 2023, caused by a magmatic intrusion underneath the area.[1] The frequency and intensity of the earthquakes dramatically increased on 10 November 2023, with 20,000 tremors recorded by that time, the largest of which exceeded magnitude 5.3. An evacuation was ordered in Grindavík, and large-scale subsidence in and around the town caused significant damage.[1]

The first eruption started on the evening of 18 December 2023, at the Sundhnúkur crater row north of Grindavík,[2][3] with lava spewing from fissures in the ground.[4] The intensity of the eruption and accompanying seismic activity decreased early on 19 December 2023,[5] with lava seen spreading laterally from both sides of the newly opened fissures.[5] The eruption was described as the largest in the Reykjanes Peninsula since the beginning of eruptive activity in 2021,[5] with lava fountains, up to 100 metres (330 ft) high,[6] and was visible as far away as the capital Reykjavík, 42 kilometres (26 mi) away.[7] The eruption ended on 21 December 2023, after the Icelandic Meteorological Office said no lava was erupting after a flight over the volcano, but clarified that it was "too early to declare the eruption over."[8]

On 14 January 2024, a second fissure erupted north of Grindavík with most of its lava steered away from the town by newly constructed protective barriers.[9] A few hours later, a smaller third fissure opened less than 100 metres (330 ft) from the town inside the protection barriers,[10] with its lava reaching and burning down three residential houses.[11]

A third eruption began on 8 February 2024 about a kilometer north of Grindavík, in the same area as the December eruption, with a fissure about three kilometers long effusively erupting lava on top of earlier flows. It caused significant damage to infrastructure, leading to the declaration of a state of emergency.[12]

One person has been reported missing after falling into a crack created by the earthquakes.[13]

Earthquakes[edit]

2023 Iceland earthquakes
Map
Map of 2023 Iceland earthquakes and eruption (map data)
UTC time2023-11-10 18:00:56
USGS-ANSSComCat
Local date24 October 2023 (2023-10-24)
(23 days)
Magnitude5.3 Mw(largest tremor) 
Depth2–10 km (1.2–6.2 mi)
Epicenter63°57′18″N 22°21′29″W / 63.955°N 22.358°W / 63.955; -22.358
Areas affectedReykjanes Peninsula, Iceland
Max. intensityVIII (Severe)
Casualties1 missing[13]
Map of volcanic systems on the Reykjanes Peninsula. Grindavík is at the southern end of the Eldvörp-Svartsengi system (marked here as 2)
Annotated view of area involved in 2023 seismic disturbances

The 2023 earthquakes came nearly four years after volcanic activity began near the hyaloclastite mountain Þorbjörn, which indicated that the Reykjanes Peninsula was beginning a new volcanic cycle after 800 years of inactivity.[14] Volcanic activity on the peninsula exhibits cyclical patterns lasting approximately 300 to 400 years. Within each cycle, eruptions occur at six to seven distinct locations, with some in close proximity to the Capital Region. Individual eruptions at a given location typically persist for 10 to 20 years, followed by shifts in activity to other sites every 30 to 50 years. Based on these observed patterns, the current volcanic cycle is projected to continue until approximately the years 2300-2400.[15] Since December 2019, the Eldvörp-Svartsengi volcanic system has experienced nine intrusions, with six occurring since last October. Of these intrusions, three have triggered the current eruptive series.[16][17][18][19] Prior intrusions did not result in an eruption.[20][21] Volcanic unrest on the peninsula during this period had mostly been associated with the Fagradalsfjall system, where three out of four confirmed magmatic intrusions culminated in volcanic eruptions.[22][23][24][1]

Although earthquakes are a frequent occurrence in Iceland due to the island's location, straddling the Mid-Atlantic Ridge between the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates, the recent swarm was noted for being more extensive than usual.[25] A total of five identified volcanic eruptions have occurred in the Reykjanes Peninsula since 2021.[25]

The 2023 earthquake swarm is associated with a magmatic intrusion estimated to be up to 15 kilometres (9.3 mi) long that runs in a south-westerly direction, starting at Kálfellsheiði [ˈkʰaulˌfɛlsˌheiːðɪ] and following the line of the Sundhnúkur [ˈsʏntˌn̥uːkʏr̥] crater chain at a depth of around 800 metres (2,600 ft). The largest of the earthquakes originated under the Sundhnúkur craters but subsequently propagated south-west under Grindavík and into the sea.[26] The town stands on lava erupted from Sundhnúkur around 2,350 years ago.[27] It is one of six communities on the peninsula that are situated on or near an eruptive fissure.[28]

October 2023 earthquakes[edit]

An earthquake swarm began on the evening of 24 October due to the magmatic intrusion, with the intensity of the earthquakes decreasing by 30 October. Approximately 8,000 earthquakes were detected; most of these tremors occurred at a depth of 2–4 km (1.2–2.5 mi).[1] The Icelandic Meteorological Office (IMO) reported that the swarm was focused around Eldvörp–Svartsengi, north of Grindavík.[29] Earlier in the month, the Reykjanes Peninsula experienced over 700 earthquakes, with the strongest reaching a magnitude of 3.3.[29]

November 2023 earthquakes[edit]

Sundhnúkur craters seen from the south-west
Hagafell (left foreground), viewed from Þorbjörn

The largest of the earthquakes to date reached magnitude 5.3 on 10 November.[30] By this time, over 22,000 earthquakes had been recorded since the beginning of the swarm in October.[31] The IMO predicted that an eruption was likely, stating that "it will take several days (rather than hours) for magma to reach the surface." The greatest extent of the magma intrusion was inferred to be around the Sundhnúkur crater chain, approximately 3.5 kilometres (2.2 mi) north of Grindavík. Instruments detected the presence of sulfur dioxide in the atmosphere on 14 November, indicating that magma was only a few hundred metres under the surface. Although the number of earthquakes decreased somewhat since 10 November, the IMO was still recording between 700 and 1,000 earthquakes daily by 14 November.[1]

Ground deformation sensors at Festarfjall [ˈfɛstarˌfjatl̥] and Svartsengi recorded that the ground had moved apart by 120 cm (47 in).[26] Satellite measurements recorded the subsidence by about one metre (3 ft) of a swathe of land measuring approximately five kilometres long and two kilometres wide (3.1 by 1.2 mi), running from the Sundhnúkur craters to the western side of Grindavík. The creation of this graben-like formation has enabled scientists to estimate the volume of the magmatic intrusion as approximately 70 million cubic metres (2.5 billion cubic feet).[32] It is estimated that the subsidence has been continuing at a rate of about four centimetres (1.6 inches) a day.[33] A large crack opened up through the town, which old maps indicate is a reactivation of an existing fault. Scientists at the University of Iceland believe that the fault was created by the last Sundhnúkur eruption over 2,000 years ago.[34]

Sensors emplaced in a borehole in Svartsengi detected the presence of sulfur dioxide on 16 November, a classic signature of magma close to the surface. This led the IMO to conclude that the area around the volcanic edifice of Hagafell [ˈhaːɣaˌfɛtl̥], approximately 2 km (1.2 mi) north of Grindavík, is at the highest level of risk. A rapid 30-millimetre (1.2 in) uplift of the ground in the Svartsengi area was recorded from 18 to 21 November, likely indicating an upwelling of magma from a source five or more km (3.1 or more miles) below the ground. An eruption was still regarded as likely on 21 November, but as seismic activity declined from 24 November that likelihood also began to decline.[1]

According to Professor Magnús Tumi Guðmundsson, a geophysicist at the University of Iceland, the magma channel, approximately two metres (6 ft 7 in) wide, has undergone rapid solidification. Around 90% of the magma solidified within 10 to 15 days due to the cold nature of the earth's crust, with some remaining magma near Sundhnúkur posing potential risks for further activity if underground pressure increases. Magnús notes that while the magma cools quickly, the surrounding rock stays hot and weak, maintaining a state of geological vulnerability in the area for several months, necessitating ongoing caution and monitoring.[35] If an eruption occurs, it is most likely to take place in the area between Sýlingarfell [ˈsiːliŋkarˌfɛtl̥] and Hagafell mountains.[36]

Significant land movements were recorded around the Svartsengi area, with a displacement of about 100 cm (39 in) to the west and 25 cm (10 in) to the north. During the evacuation of Grindavík on 10 November, the ground near Svartsengi initially descended by 35 cm (14 in) and subsequently rose by 25 cm (10 in). A GPS station at Festarfjall, situated east of Grindavík, underwent a shift of 60 cm (24 in) eastward and 40 cm (16 in) southward, along with an upward movement of 12 cm (4.5 in). Moreover, the GPS station in Grindavík, directly above the magma conduit, moved 30 cm (12 in) eastward. On 10 November, at the aforementioned location, there was also a dramatic drop of 100 cm (39 in), followed by an additional sinking of 20 cm (8 in).[37]

December 2023 earthquakes[edit]

By 1 December "relatively few earthquakes" were being detected, although the IMO maintained that an eruption was still possible. It is most likely that the magma accumulating under Svartsengi is feeding the 15-kilometre-long (9.3 mi) Sundhnúkur crater chain, where the magma intrusion occurred. Deformations are still being measured at stations near the conduit, but it is believed that this is due to the land uplift occurring at Svartsengi.[1] At the beginning of the month, recent GPS data from the IMO showed that the land had risen above its level prior to the start of the earthquake series. Professor Þorvaldur Þórðarson, a volcanology expert from the University of Iceland, theorized that this elevation could be attributed to a combination of tectonic movements and magma build-up. Notably, the pronounced terrestrial shifts on 10 November may have facilitated the migration of magma from deeper reservoirs to more superficial ones.[38]

The ongoing volcanic activity at Svartsengi entered a new phase with increased chances of magma propagation and potential eruptions. The observed pattern suggested a possible repetition of events, where magma accumulating beneath Svartsengi feeds a dike beneath Grindavík, similar to the one formed on 10 November. The magma flow is now accumulating under Svartsengi at a rate comparable to the flow of the Elliðaár river. The magma lies at a depth of about five to six kilometres (3 to 3.5 mi).[39]

The recent seismic trends at Svartsengi, characterized by varying intensities and a concentration of activity along a dike, closely resembled the seismic and volcanic patterns experienced during the Krafla Fires, which began in 1975. In the Krafla Fires the region witnessed over a period of ten years 20 distinct magma propagations, nine of which culminated in eruptions. These events were marked by varying magma volumes feeding the same dike, leading to different eruption scales. In Svartsengi, geodetic data showed a similar pattern of reduced magma volumes compared to levels observed before the 10 November dike intrusion, parallelling the smaller magma accumulations at Krafla that were sufficient to trigger new propagations and subsequent eruptions.[40]

From the beginning of the earthquakes until 10 November, the land at Svartsengi elevated by more than 10 cm (4 in) within a span of 16 days. Following a substantial subsidence of 35 centimetres (14 in), a new phase of activity led to a land rise of 20 cm (7.9 in) over an equivalent 16-day period. Currently, the land has consistently ascended to about 30 cm (12 in) in approximately 30 days.[41] As a result, the rate of uplift went to double the initial rate and surpassed its height just before the precursor of the magmatic intrusion. The subsidence previously mentioned was due to the path of magma originating from Svartsengi, moving under Grindavík, and extending towards the Sundhnúkur craters in the northeast.[42]

March 2024 earthquakes[edit]

An earthquake swarm on the 2 March 2024 was interpreted as a magma intrusion that did not reach the surface.[43]

Eruptions[edit]

December 2023 eruption[edit]

The 2023 eruption as photographed from a helicopter of the Icelandic Coast Guard. At the right in the background, Grindavík, Iceland, is visible.

On 18 December 2023, an eruption occurred at around 22:17 UTC following a series of small earthquakes at around 21:00.[44] The IMO pinpointed the origin of the eruption near Hagafell,[5] about 4 kilometres (2.5 mi) north-east of Grindavík, and noted that the eruption stemmed from a fissure with a length of about 3.5 kilometres (2.2 mi), with lava flowing at a rate of around 100 to 200 cubic metres per second adding that seismic activity appeared to be moving towards the direction of Grindavík. An Icelandic Civil Defence official told the public broadcaster RÚV that the eruption had happened quickly and appeared to be "quite a large event".[7]

Following the eruption, the Icelandic Coast Guard deployed a helicopter to the area to monitor activity.[5] Numerous delays were reported at Keflavík International Airport, which remained open. The Blue Lagoon spa, which had reopened the day before, did not take bookings on the night of the eruption.[4] Police raised alert levels while civil defence authorities warned the public not to approach the area while emergency personnel assessed the situation.[45] By 19 December, the scent of smoke and ash was detected as far as 30 kilometres (19 mi) from the eruption site, raising fears that volcanic gases could reach Reykjavík by the next day.[7] On the same day, the Icelandic Coast Guard rescued a man who had gotten lost near the eruption site using a helicopter.[46] On 21 December, the IMO said no lava was erupting after a flight over the volcano, but clarified that it was "too early to declare the eruption over." Officials said residents of Grindavík would be allowed back into the town.[47]

January 2024 eruption[edit]

Aerial photograph of the eruption on 14 January.

On 14 January 2024 around 7:57 UTC, a second eruption began around 400–500 metres (1,300–1,600 ft) north of Grindavík[48] following seismic activity that began from the Sundhnúksgígar crater.[49] Fissures were reported to have opened up on both sides of the anti-lava defences,[50] and it was estimated that lava would reach the town within 24 hours. A successful mission was launched to save several pieces of heavy machinery used to construct the barriers.[51] The lava cut off one of the main roads leading into Grindavík.[52] The initial fissure reached a length of up to 900 metres (3,000 ft).[53]

Around noon, another fissure, measuring about 100 metres (330 ft),[53] opened only metres from the outermost houses of the town[54] and subsequently set three houses on fire[11] before ceasing after a few hours. Evacuation orders were reimplemented in Grindavík, while the Icelandic Coast Guard deployed a helicopter to monitor the situation.[55] Volcanic activity was seen to have “decreased considerably” by 15 January.[56]

Evgenia Ilyinskaya, a volcanologist from the University of Leeds, told the BBC that the eruption suggested that the Reykjanes peninsula was likely entering a long-term period of frequent eruptions that could last for centuries, which she termed the New Reykjanes Fires after a previous occurrence in the 12th century.[52][57]

Prior to the eruption, on 10 January, a worker fell into a deep crevice in Grindavík while working to repair it.[58] Despite an extensive search, the man was not found. The search was called off on the evening of 12 January.[13]

February 2024 eruption[edit]

Eruption 8. February 2024

On 8 February 2024 at 6:03 UTC the third eruption started north of Sýlingarfell[59] following intensive seismic activity that began 30 minutes prior. The eruption produced lava fountains with a height measuring between 50 to 80 metres in height and a three-kilometer high volcanic plume.[60] A three-kilometer long fissure opened in the same area as the December eruption, between the Sundhnúkur craters and the hill of Stóra-Skógfell, about 4 kilometers northeast of Grindavík. The lava was reported to be flowing rapidly east and west; although it was at a safe distance from Grindavík, it caused serious damage to infrastructure in the vicinity.[12][61] Unlike in the previous eruptions on the peninsula, the 8 February eruption produced quantities of black ash mixed with steam. This is theorised to be the result of groundwater boiling and mixing with magma to create ash.[62] Volcanic activity subsided later in the day.[63]

The IMO estimated that around 15 million cubic metres of lava were erupted on 8 February alone, representing a flow of about 600 cubic metres a second. About two-thirds of it flowed west into the Svartsengi area, extending up to 4.5 km from the eruption centre.[21]

Impact[edit]

Closure of the road to Grindavík

Grindavík[edit]

Grindavík is currently abandoned due to the volcanic activity and its inhabitants have been evacuated, although they have been permitted to return for short visits to remove personal effects and goods from their homes and businesses. This represents the first time that an entire community has been evacuated in Iceland since the eruption of Heimaey in 1973.[33]

Following the 5.2 tremor on 10 November, a state of emergency was declared, and evacuation plans were put into effect for Grindavík.[64] This culminated in the relocation of nearly 4,000 residents, nearly 1 percent of Iceland's entire population.[65] The Department of Civil Protection and Emergency Management deployed the Icelandic Coast Guard Vessel Þór to the area "for safety purposes".[66] It also closed all roads to Grindavík except for emergency and evacuation purposes.[65] On 13 November, authorities allowed residents to return briefly to the town to retrieve their belongings.[67] Boat owners were also allowed to remove their vessels from the harbour. The Icelandic government is seeking to accommodate displaced residents in holiday homes and little-used properties while the emergency continues. The subsidence, faulting and earthquakes have caused widespread damage to properties and infrastructure in the town.[34] The seismic activity has received significant coverage by the international media.[68]

Prior to the evacuation, reports emerged of individuals relocating due to the incessant tremors disrupting sleep and fears of potential consequences. During the evacuation, the Icelandic Red Cross provided accommodation for about 1,700 displaced residents at three emergency centers in Keflavík, Kópavogur, and Selfoss. Of these individuals, approximately 140 actually spent the night in these centers. The majority of the other displaced residents independently found alternative accommodations elsewhere. Furthermore, every individual in the Grindavík area received an SMS message from 112, Iceland's emergency service, with the headline "EVACUATION".[69][70][71]

The Icelandic government plans to assist around 700 residents, who are part of about 200 families, from the original 3,700 population of Grindavík. The plan includes purchasing up to 210 new apartments through two non-profit housing associations, primarily in the Reykjanes area and the Capital Region. This is to be supplemented by temporary financial support for increased housing costs, with the entire support system estimated to cost about 220–240 million ISK per month, subject to a three-month reassessment. This initiative represents a comprehensive effort to provide both immediate and sustainable housing solutions for Grindavík's displaced residents.[72] On 1 December, the government, in partnership with the Government Property Agency, began seeking additional temporary rental properties from private and corporate owners to assist displaced Grindavík residents as part of a larger pre-established housing support program that includes wage and rental subsidies.[73] A week later, a platform for Grindavík residents was launched online, targeting temporary housing in the Reykjanes peninsula, the Capital Region, and neighboring municipalities. It enables direct leasing between residents and property owners, supported by government rental subsidies.[74]

In a collaborative response to the disaster and ongoing uncertainty in Grindavík, Iceland's major banks—Arion Banki, Íslandsbanki, and Landsbankinn, in partnership with the Financial Services Industry Association in Iceland—agreed to waive interest and indexation on housing loans for Grindavík residents for three months. This relief applies to loans up to 50 million ISK. The measure aims to provide equitable support, including options like deferred loan repayments. Each bank will further outline the specifics of these relief measures, ensuring they are tailored to the evolving needs of their customers in Grindavík.[75]

The State Commissioner of Police, in consultation with the Police Commissioner in the Reykjanes peninsula, downgraded the earthquake risk level in Grindavík from emergency to critical level, effective from 23 November. This decision, based on a new assessment by the Icelandic Meteorological Office, indicated a reduced likelihood of a sudden eruption in Grindavík. Residents and businesses in Grindavík were then permitted to enter the area between 7 a.m. and 9 p.m. to retrieve valuables, attend to their properties, and conduct business activities.[76] However, the town remained closed to the general public and unauthorized traffic. Safety measures, including limited vehicle access with restriction on certain types of transportation, constraints on essential services and a prepared evacuation plan, were established.[77] The area, under continuous surveillance, is still considered dangerous. Residents were advised to keep records of valuables taken and to contact their insurance companies, and to be cautious as houses might be unsafe. However, a resident of Grindavík was later caught staying at his home with his wife for several nights and was threatened with arrest.[4][78][79][80]

The earthquakes in Grindavík significantly affected infrastructure and homes. Around 120 properties suffered damage, with between 10 and 20 being deemed uninhabitable. Two weeks following the earthquakes, a thorough damage assessment was initiated and was ongoing. The estimated total cost of the damages is up to 10 billion ISK.[81] Property owners facing irreparable damage to their homes were obligated to allocate a segment of their insurance compensation—earmarked primarily for on-site repairs or reconstruction—to cover a disposal fee. In cases where rebuilding at the original location was not permitted, property owners were then allowed to use their insurance proceeds to buy homes elsewhere.[82][83]

Blue Lagoon[edit]

The Blue Lagoon and the Svartsengi power station behind it

The Blue Lagoon spa has repeatedly been closed and evacuated due to the earthquakes and eruptions. Although it has not been significantly damaged, lava has engulfed nearby roads.

The site's management announced the site's closure to visitors from 9 to 16 November as a precaution following the earthquakes.[84] Rocks dislodged by the earthquakes were reported to have fallen onto roads in the area, and 30 guests left the resort following a 4.8 tremor in the early hours of 9 November. In addition to these safety concerns, the closure was also implemented to reduce increased stress on staff. The management has assured that all staff will receive their full salaries during the closure period. Furthermore, guests who were evacuated as a result of the tremor will be provided with a full refund.[85][86]

Helga Árnadóttir, CEO of the Blue Lagoon, confirmed that the seismic activity at Svartsengi caused no visible damage or structural impairment to their facilities. The buildings, designed for earthquake resilience, remained intact and structurally sound. The Blue Lagoon temporarily ceased operations as a precautionary measure due to the earthquakes.[87]

The administrators of the Blue Lagoon subsequently extended the closure announcement five times due to continuing geological activity, with the anticipated reopening date set for 17 December.[88] Staff members of the Blue Lagoon were seen bathing in the spa's geothermal waters on 8 December.[89] Prior to reopening, the staff were trained in evacuation procedures to ensure preparedness for any emergencies, while the administration prepared an evacuation process, expected to take around two hours in case of emergency. Additionally, guests were to be informed about the current situation.[90][91][92][93]

The Blue Lagoon remained open for just two days before it closed again after the 18 December eruption only 2 to 3 kilometres (1.2 to 1.9 mi) away. All guests and staff were evacuated from the site roughly one to two hours before the eruption. The Blue Lagoon reopened on 6 January, with all facilities back in operation by 10 January. However, it was shut down once again on 14 January[94][95] but reopened on 20 January.[96] It was safely evacuated at the start of the 8 February eruption[97] but was cut off by a fast-moving lava flow engulfing a stretch of Bláalónsvegur, its main access road from the north.[12] The nearest lava front has halted and is currently less than 1 kilometer away from the Blue Lagoon, which is protected by a constructed barrier.[1]

Svartsengi Power Station[edit]

The Svartsengi Power Station in 2019

The Svartsengi Power Station is currently unoccupied and is being remotely controlled from the Reykjanes Power Station.[98] It experienced minimal impact from the earthquakes, with the only damage being "the interior furnishings and exterior walls, as well as considerable cracking in pathways and remote areas of the site." The power station continued to maintain its usual production levels of hot and cold water, as well as electricity.[98]

There is a risk that if lava engulfs the facility, approximately 30,000 residents on the peninsula, constituting about 8% of Iceland's population, would permanently lose essential heating and electricity.[99] Construction of earth barriers began in November 2023, with the purpose of protecting the power station by redirecting future lava flows.[100]

The eruption of 8 February produced a lava flow that came close to the power station. It cut off the northern access road to the power station (though the southern road was unaffected) and destroyed part of the Njarðvíkuræð pipeline supplying hot water from Svartsengi to Reykjanesbær, Suðurnesjabær, and other communities on the peninsula.[12] Around 20,000 people in the area were reported to have been cut off from the hot water supply. Residents of the peninsula were warned to use hot water and electricity sparingly. Keflavik International Airport was among the locations affected by the loss of hot water; schools similarly affected were closed. The Icelandic government declared a state of emergency in response to the hot water crisis.[101] While the Reykjanes power station and the wider Icelandic grid can supply electricity if the Svartsengi line is cut off, the capability to deliver hot water, a critical function of the Svartsengi Power Station, cannot be replicated.[102][103] At the time of the eruption, temperatures in the area reached as low as -14°C (6.8°F). The shortages contributed to the closure of schools, public pools and sport facilities in the area on 9 February.[104]

The repair and reconnection of the hot water pipeline was completed on the afternoon of 9 February, approximately 30 hours after it was breached, restoring the supply of hot water to the wider Reykjanes area. An underground pipeline was already under construction parallel to the old pipeline, but is better protected from damage from the lava flows. Workers were able to splice together the undamaged part of the old pipeline with the new underground pipeline, working through the night.[105]

Barrier construction[edit]

A preliminary plan for the protective barriers intended to shield the Blue Lagoon and Svartsengi Power Station

A strategic plan for the construction of protective barriers had been established well in advance of the recent seismic disturbances in the area.[22] The commencement of this plan was placed on hold, as there was no pressing threat of a volcanic eruption, coupled with the significant environmental repercussions involved. However, on 10 November, due to escalating earthquake activity, a fleet of lorries began delivering materials to the predetermined site near the Blue Lagoon and Svartsengi Power Station. But this initial operation was soon put on hold owing to concerns about a potential eruption later that same day. The construction work was officially resumed on 13 November, following the Althing's approval of a bill proposed by Prime Minister Katrín Jakobsdóttir.[106] Subsequently, Justice Minister Guðrún Hafsteinsdóttir began enforcing the new regulations related to the project the next day.[107] Following this, workers began assembling filler materials into barriers at the planned sites.[108] The construction of the barriers was almost complete when the 18 December eruption occurred. Once it was safe for workers to resume, they were quickly sent back to the site to finish the remaining filling work on the barriers.[109]

Additional measures were also put in place, such as safeguarding power lines, although the construction of barriers for the Svartsengi Power Line was postponed until 2024 due to decreased volcanic activity. The prospect of protecting the Njarðvíkuræð hot water pipe leading from the plant was considered extremely challenging, as it is situated above ground on stilts. Plans were made to bury the pipeline underground to protect it from lava.[109][110][111] The eruption of 8 February 2024 destroyed a length of the pipeline just north of Svartsengi.[12]

Construction of protective barriers around Grindavík, for which plans were already in place prior to the eruptions,[112] officially began on 2 January.[113] The project, initiated from the eastern end, involves erecting a barrier extending over two kilometres (1.2 mi). Anticipated to last approximately three weeks, the initial phase of construction aims to reach an average height of around 4 metres (13 ft), although this may vary in different locations. The design of the barrier, guided by lava flow simulations, specifically targets the areas at highest risk.[114]

Also under consideration is the construction of protective barriers for the town of Vogar, located in the northern part of the peninsula, after lava flow models indicated a chance of lava from the current eruption flowing north towards Route 41 (Reykjanesbraut) in the future. While Vogar and Route 41 are considered to have a low risk of being affected, Route 43 (Grindavíkurvegur), being closer to the lava front, was considered to face a medium risk in this scenario, prompting additional concern for its safety.[115][116][117] The road was engulfed by a lava flow on 8 February 2024, cutting the link between Grindavík and the north coast.[12]

In response to these developments, the Icelandic government implemented a 0.008% additional property tax, levied on the fire insurance value of properties, to fund the construction of lava barriers on the Reykjanes peninsula and safeguard local infrastructure from potential volcanic eruptions. The temporary tax, which is intended to last for three years, came into effect on 1 January 2024, and is projected to raise nearly ISK 1 billion annually. The tax is scheduled to expire on 31 December 2026.[106][118][119]

Reactions[edit]

In a televised address following the 14 January eruption, President Guðni Th. Jóhannesson said that "a daunting period of upheaval has begun on the Reykjanes peninsula," but urged the need to continue taking "actions that are within our power," while "hope for as good an outcome as possible".[96] He also urged citizens to "stand together and have compassion" for those displaced by the eruption. Prime Minister Katrín Jakobsdóttir said the eruption was a "black day for all of Iceland," but added that "the sun will rise again", and expressed solidarity with those affected.[52]

See also[edit]

References[edit]

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  2. ^ "Eruption on Reykjanes Peninsula". RÚV English. 18 December 2023. Archived from the original on 19 December 2023. Retrieved 18 December 2023.
  3. ^ "Global Volcanism Program: Report on Reykjanes (Iceland) — 13–19 December 2023". volcano.si.edu. Archived from the original on 23 December 2023. Retrieved 23 December 2023.
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External links[edit]

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