The Lull Before The Storm – Reykjanes Volcano Diary

Image – Daily Telegraph

It has finally happened!

After weeks of uncertainty and anticipation, the brewing magma on the Reykjanes Peninsula in Iceland finally burst its way to the surface. The eruption began at 10.17 pm on Monday, December 18th, 2023 – the fourth to take place in this region in the past three years.

I have kept a diary-style blog describing the changing circumstances on the Reykjanes Peninsula since the first earthquake swarms gave warning that something was about to happen. The early weeks are described in earlier blog entries, and to complete the picture, this blog brings things up to date right to the day the new eruption began.

Later today, I will collate some of the images, video and other resources that have already been shared on social media concerning the drama currently taking place in Iceland.

November 24^th

• The aviation color code has changed to yellow as the likelihood of an eruption has overall diminished.
• An eruption is still considered likely to happen, but most likely near Sundhnúkar crater row (approximately 4 km NNE of Grindavík).
• The situation could change rapidly as a new phase of magma inflow to the intrusion could begin in the near future.
• The public safety level in Grindavík has been shifted from emergency to danger.
• Likelihood of sudden eruption within town limits of Grindavik now considered to be small.
• Land is still rising at Svartsengi.
• Construction work at Svartsengi continues at full speed.

November 25^th

• Photo on Facebook of the Salt House, Grindavik showing surface damage 

Image – mbl.is

• Seismic activity under Grindavik has begun to stop.
• Magma in the tunnel under Grindavik beginning to solidify.
• Inflation at Svartsengi slows down

November 29^th

• Grindavík harbour has sunk by 20-30cm over the last 10 days, but this is a good thing as the deeper water means it can accommodate ships with a greater draft.

November 30^th

• A more than 25 m deep hole has formed in a residential street in Grindavík. It is a sign that the soil is still moving considerably. 

• An eruption is still considered a possibility, though the likelihood of one has diminished.
• As of late November, the most likely location for an eruption is considered to be between Sýlingarfell and Hagafell mountains, northeast of Grindavík and east of Svartsengi Power Station and the Blue Lagoon.
• Grindavík residents are permitted to enter the town to retrieve belongings and maintain their homes and properties. Some businesses in the town have also restarted operations.
• Some experts suggested that most of the magma in the intrusion had solidified, though fresh magma was still believed to be streaming in.
• Experts have stated that an eruption would be preceded by shallow earthquakes and volcanic unrest, which would give at least 30 minutes warning before magma broke through above ground.
• Closure of the Blue Lagoon has been extended until December 7.

December 3^rd

• GPS stations at Svartsengi and Grindavik moving in all directions, “which could best be compared to jumping on a trampoline.”

December 4^th

• Pictures emerge of ground cracks and rock falls at Thorbjörn, north of Grindavik. [Thorbjorn] 

December 5^th

• Blue Lagoon has announced a two-day extension to the temporary closure of its facilities, originally scheduled until December 7, now extended until December 9.

December 6^th

• The chances of another magma flow, like the one that happened on November 10 and triggered a natural disaster in Grindavík, are increasing.

December 10^th

• Repair bill for damage to Grindavík has been estimated at around ISK 10bn (GBP 57.3m). 230 properties have been damaged, 140 have been inspected, remaining 90 will be surveyed next week. Some damaged houses are in areas that might have to be abandoned.

December 17^th

• Blue Lagoon re-opens

December 18^th

• Road to Grindavik re-opened for residents. Can visit 7.00 am to 9.00 pm but not stay overnight. Could be home by Christmas!