New Volcanic Eruption Rocks Reykjanes Peninsula, Iceland

A new volcanic eruption has struck the Reykjanes peninsula in southwestern Iceland, sending hot lava shooting into the air. This marks the sixth eruption in the region since December, according to Icelandic authorities. Live footage captured the dramatic scene as orange lava burst from a long fissure, lighting up the night sky as thick smoke billowed upwards.

The Icelandic Meteorological Office (IMO) confirmed the eruption in a statement, noting that it began at 9:26 pm (2126 GMT) on the Sundhnuksgigarod. The IMO is still assessing the length of the fissure.

This eruption follows closely on the heels of a previous one that ended just two months ago after more than three weeks of activity.

Local media reports indicate that the nearby fishing village of Grindavik is being evacuated, a precautionary measure taken during past eruptions. However, the exact number of people affected is not yet known.

The Reykjanes peninsula had remained dormant for 800 years until the first eruption in March 2021. Subsequent eruptions in August 2022, and July and December 2023, have led volcanologists to suggest that the region has entered a new period of seismic activity.

Iceland, home to 33 active volcano systems, has the highest concentration of such systems in Europe. The country lies along the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, where the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates meet.

Key Points:

1. New Eruption: A volcano erupted on the Reykjanes peninsula in southwestern Iceland on Thursday night, marking the sixth such event since December.
2. Lava and Smoke: Live footage showed lava spewing from a fissure, lighting up the night sky with orange flames and smoke.
3. Timing: The eruption began at 9:26 pm (2126 GMT) on Sundhnuksgigarod, confirmed by the Icelandic Meteorological Office (IMO).
4. Previous Activity: This eruption follows a recent one that ended two months ago, which lasted over three weeks.
5. Evacuation: The nearby village of Grindavik is being evacuated, though the number of affected residents is unclear.
6. Seismic Activity: The Reykjanes peninsula had been dormant for 800 years until 2021, with several eruptions since indicating a new era of volcanic activity.
7. Geological Context: Iceland hosts 33 active volcano systems, the highest number in Europe, situated along the Mid-Atlantic Ridge between the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates.