The Reykjanes volcano has been placed on yellow warning level. This is because of sudden inflation that is now taking place north-west of Þorbjörn mountain, at a place called Eldvörp (Crader row from 13th century A.D.).

 On 31. October 2023 at around 08:00 UTC an magma movement was detected by Icelandic Met Office. This started an earthquake swarm that had a largest earthquake with magnitude of Mw3,7. The magma seems to be at depth of 1,5 km where it is the shallowest. Few days ago, that magma was at depth of 5 to 8 km.

This change is rather quick movement of magma, that suggests higher pressure compared the magma that erupted in Fagradalsfjall volcano. This might result in a larger eruption when it happens.

In slightly less than 24 hours the inflation did reach 30mm. This is the fifth time (as reported by Morgunblaðið) that inflation has happened in this area since the year 2020. This inflation now is a lot faster than earlier when this has happened.

This inflation in the Reykjanes volcano has the risk of creating stronger earthquakes in new locations on the Reykjanes peninsula and on the Reykjanes ridge in next few days to weeks

The location is not that good, if it erupts where the inflation is happening. Svartsengi power plant and hot water energy plant is nearby along with the blue lagoon. Eruption in this location can result in major damage to infrastructure at Reykjanes.

Only thing that can be done now is to wait and monitor what is happening.

Eldvörp is a row of scoria and spatter cones formed in the Reykjanes Fires 1210-1240 AD in the Svartsengi volcanic system. The craters lie in a NE-SW trending row, extending from the south coast about 10 km inland.

The lava emitted from the crater row is one of the most voluminous Holocene lava flows on the Reykjanes Peninsula, covering c. 20 km2.

For the last couple of years I have been documenting this area both by taking pictures and on video as it was only a question of ‘’When it would erupt’’.

Eldvörp Craters │ Winter │ Part 3

Eldvörp Part 1 of 3 │ Summer │ Part 16

Eldvörp Part 2 of 3 │ Summer │ Part 17