The volcanic eruption caused lava to be spat from a huge crack in the Sandonkul Crater row in Iceland.
A statement released by Iceland’s Met Office (IMO) found that the earthquake flock was followed by a crack opened on Wednesday (July 16th).
Iceland’s Civil Protection Department shares stunning aerial photos of the eruption on Facebook, showing that it explodes from a rift like a wall of fire and floods the landscape.
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According to an IMO statement, the “severe earthquake” flock began early Wednesday morning, with eruptions beginning at 3:56am local time. The eruption is ongoing.
The most recent observations reported at noon local time revealed that the eruption was spreading into the second crack. The length of the large crack is estimated to be about 1.5 miles (2.4 km), while the smaller crack is about 1,600 feet (500 m).
Unlike previous eruptions that have hit the area in the last few years, the eruption occurred before the magma peaked. “Before the eruption began, the amount of magma accumulated under Svardsengi was about two-thirds of the amount that erupted from there in the last eruption,” a representative from the IMO wrote.
Related: Glacier melting can cause volcanic eruptions around the world, research finds
Lava is not approaching infrastructure. However, winds carry gas pollution from the volcano to the more populated areas. Authorities have reported high levels of gas pollution in Reykjanesvale municipalities, but it is now declining, according to an IMO statement. Volcanic eruptions release sulfur dioxide (SO2) and other problems that can be harmful when inhaled.
The IMO also reports on the formation of “witch hair” carried by the wind. “These are small glass fibers that form when lava rapidly cools and expands,” the representative wrote. “They are light and can travel long distances. Witch’s hair can cause discomfort in the skin and eyes. Therefore, people are urged to take caution outside, near the eruption site.”
Located between Stra Skogfell and Sirinfel on Iceland’s Reykjanes Peninsula, current activity is close to the location where magma flow occurred during the previous eruption, according to Iceland’s Civil Protection Agency.
This part of southwestern Iceland is well known for its volcanic activity, and similar eruptions have been seen in recent years. The latest lava spinning is dramatic, but they can be much larger. For example, in 2023, a crack opened up 2.5 miles (4 km) long, spitting out enough lava to fill the Olympic swimming pool in 20 seconds.
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