EQ Intense earthquake swarm near Fagradalsfjall volcano, Iceland

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medic38572

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Intense earthquake swarm near Fagradalsfjall volcano, Iceland​

Wednesday, October 25, 2023 Updated onThursday, October 26, 2023 15:42 UTC


Intense earthquake swarm near Fagradalsfjall volcano, Iceland





An intense earthquake swarm started north of Grindavik and near Fagradalsfjall volcano, Iceland’s Reykjanes Peninsula early on October 25, 2023, prompting the Civil Protection Service to declare an uncertainty phase due to the seismic swarm.
  • The earthquake swarm follows a similar seismic event in July 2023 that led to a volcanic eruption within six days.
Starting at midnight UTC on October 25, the area north of Grindavík became a seismic hotspot with more than 700 earthquakes detected in less than 24 hours. The two largest quakes were measured at magnitudes of M3.9 at 05:35 UTC and M4.5 at 08:18 UTC. These seismic activities were felt both in the Rekjanes Peninsula and the Capital Region of Iceland.

Civil Protections have escalated their alert level to an uncertainty phase as a response to the ongoing seismic activity. This move comes as authorities recognize the potential for earthquakes of similar magnitude to occur again, based on the current data.

The most recent occurrence of a seismic event of comparable magnitude in the Rekjanes Peninsula was recorded in July 2023, making this the second significant seismic event in the region this year.
The earthquake swarm in July 2023 started on July 4 and was followed by a volcanic eruption just six days later, on July 10.

The seismic swarm continues to be closely monitored as earthquakes of magnitudes similar to the largest ones recorded this morning could potentially occur again.
reykjanes peninsula iceland earthquake october 23 - 25 2023

On October 14, the Icelandic Meteorological Office (IMO) issued warnings of a potential volcanic eruption in the Reykjanes Peninsula, following significant changes in land elevation near the Fagradalsfjall volcano.

Data indicates the formation of a new magma chamber, leading experts to predict that a volcanic eruption could occur in the coming weeks or months.

Kristín Jónsdóttir, the head of natural hazards at the IMO, stated that the current tension levels in the area are similar to those measured prior to the last eruption, adding that another magma intrusion is anticipated.

Given the region’s history of earthquake swarms preceding volcanic activity, and powerful tremors being a significant feature before the last eruption, heightened caution is advised, especially for those planning outdoor activities in the area.

Updates​

15:37 UTC, October 26
About 3300 earthquakes were detected since midnight UTC on October 25 and the swarm is still ongoing, IMO said at 10:23 UTC today.

A total of 10 earthquakes over M3 have been detected there, and one M4.5 — at 08:18 UTC on October 25. The earthquakes originate at a depth of around 5 km (3.1 miles).

In light of the data currently available, this seismicity is interpreted to be likely triggered by the stress changes related to previous intrusive activity on the peninsula. There are currently no indications of magma migration beneath the Þorbjörn/Grindavík area, but the situation might change anytime, and it might evolve over a short time from hours to days.

As reported in September a magmatic intrusion is currently ongoing beneath Fagradalsfjall.
References:

1 Specialist remark – IMO – 12:02 UTC on October 25, 2023
2 Officials warn of potential volcanic eruption near Fagradalsfjall before Christmas, Iceland – The Watchers – October 17, 2023
Featured image credit: IMO


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watchers.news

Intense earthquake swarm near Fagradalsfjall volcano, Iceland

An intense earthquake swarm started north of Grindavik and near Fagradalsfjall volcano, Iceland's Reykjanes Peninsula early on October 25, 2023, prompting the Civil Protection Service to declare an…
watchers.news watchers.news
 
Warm Wisconsin

Warm Wisconsin

Easy as 3.141592653589..
This eruption (if it happens) will not be an extreme tourist eruption like the last three.

This will be right under their huge geothermal power plant that produces like 30% of their electricity. Plus like 80% of all the heat for the capital city.

This could cause long issues on the island.

We have made arrangements for our Friends from Iceland to come stay with us for an extended timeframe if needed.

This one is a bit scary from the consequences but not because it would be explosive. This would still be a fissure type of volcano
 
Warm Wisconsin

Warm Wisconsin

Easy as 3.141592653589..
This should be the proper live webcam if the eruption starts where the ground deformation and epicenter of the earthquakes.

I believe we are probably within 1-7 days away from an eruption. My buddy flew an infrared camera on a drone it today and the ground is 10-15c warmer verses the surrounding area.

www.youtube.com

Sundhnúkar - Grindavik (Fagradalsfjall) (Cam 4) - Live from Iceland

Go to https://livefromiceland.is for more.
www.youtube.com www.youtube.com
 
Warm Wisconsin

Warm Wisconsin

Easy as 3.141592653589..
Warm Wisconsin said:
This should be the proper live webcam if the eruption starts where the ground deformation and epicenter of the earthquakes.

I believe we are probably within 1-7 days away from an eruption. My buddy flew an infrared camera on a drone it today and the ground is 10-15c warmer verses the surrounding area.

www.youtube.com

Sundhnúkar - Grindavik (Fagradalsfjall) (Cam 4) - Live from Iceland

Go to https://livefromiceland.is for more.
www.youtube.com www.youtube.com
Click to expand...


They put up a new webcam and this one has a better view.

They are getting about 1,000 to 2,000 earthquakes per day now.

The ground is going up 1-2 cm per day over a 30-50 sq mile area.

www.ruv.is

Vefmyndavél frá Þorbirni - RÚV.is

RÚV.is
www.ruv.is www.ruv.is
 
Warm Wisconsin

Warm Wisconsin

Easy as 3.141592653589..
Copy and paste from a private group but I did so with permission

Because it's getting challenging to find all the current information, I created a recap of the current ongoing seismic and volcanic events on Reykjanes Peninsula. I also added information presented at the press conference of Almannavarnir (national security earlier today). There is a lot to talk about so sit down, have a cup of coffee and enjoy:

- Almost two weeks ago a significant seismic event began near the Svartsengi geothermal power plant as a result of uplift due to an intrusion.
- As a result the Reykjanes/Svartsengi volcanic system has been placed on the yellow volcanic aviation alert. This means the volcanic system is showing an unusual increase in activity.
- It is suspected a sill-type magma intrusion is causing the uplift. Magma is flowing into the area at about 7 cubic metres per second. This is about four times more than we have seen before in this area.
- This does not mean an eruption would be much more powerful than the previous three eruptions. An eruption there is likely going to be similar in size (based on current magma accumulation).
- The sill intrusion is located west of Þórbjörn, a mountain near the power plant and the Blue Lagoon. The sill is located at 5 kilometres depth.
- Such intrusions can grow for a long time without turning into an eruption.
- It is estimated the sill is about one metre thick and 6 million cubic metres in surface area.
- Activity in this area began occurring in 2020, after which we have seen multiple such events. Since 2020, the area has inflated roughly 12,5 centimetres until before this new event began. The current event is cause for concern due to the speed at which the inflation is occurring.
- Several earthquake swarms have occurred around the area where the intrusion is located as a result of tension building up in the crust due to the inflation.
- The rapid inflation is still ongoing.
- There is currently no sign magma is moving towards the surface.
- Svartsengi power planet is the most important power plant on Reykjanes Peninsula.
- The Blue Lagoon is still open and the area remains open for the time being.
- If it comes to an eruption, the likely location will be west and north of Þórbjörn.
- There is currently no sign an eruption being underway but as this event goes on, the likelihood increases.

What about the protection of the area?

- The situation is being monitored 24/7 and taken very seriously. Everyone is on standby to act as soon as something happens.
- Authorities are working with the idea the worst scenario will happen.
- That scenario is the eruption beginning close to the power plant.
- Energy companies are working together to prepare for a possible disastrous event.
- Preparations are being made in case of an eruption to protect electricity and water supplies in the area. Materials are being moved to the area to help protect infrastructure.
- If Svartsengi power planet drops out, it will have large consequences on electricity and hot water supplies on Reykjanes and possibly Reykjavik.
- Bore holes at the geothermal plant will be filled, if needed, in such a way that the power planet can be started up again when the eruption ends.
- Grindavík will be supplied with backup power in the coming days.
- It's being looked it what will happen if hot water will disappear and everyone will heat electrically and how this can be organised on the existing network.
- If this situation occurs, it is recommended to keep phones and electric cars charged as often as possible as this might become difficult if there is a lot of stress on the electricity net if Svartsengi drops out.
- Svartsengi area, including the power plant, hotels & Blue Lagoon, will be evacuated if signs are there an eruption is underway.
- Grindavík won't be evacuated until an eruption has begun and depending on what exactly is happening.
- Currently foreign tourists are not being informed via SMS about the current activity. Things have to progress more before SMS texting will be used. The situation does not yet warrant it.

If you are interested in following the situation, make sure to check out my Instagram broadcast channel where I share updates as information is made available. I also have a webpage with all available webcams, as well as links containing all the GPS and other measurable data.

Link to broadcast channel: Login • Instagram
Link to Volcano in Iceland webpage: Volcano in Iceland - Jeroen Van Nieuwenhove Photography

#iceland #volcano #seismic #activity #fagradalsfjall #svartsengi #volcanoes #lava
 
Warm Wisconsin

Warm Wisconsin

Easy as 3.141592653589..
The whole peninsula is just one big long earthquake tonight.

Seriously the quakes are overlapping each other.

The depth of the quakes are getting shallower.

This seems like something big is afoot. No scientific evidence. Just gut feeling

My friends are leaving town and leaving everything behind tonight
 
Warm Wisconsin

Warm Wisconsin

Easy as 3.141592653589..
Well the earthquakes have been relentless

Even they haven’t evacuated the town everyone I know left. Even my fellow volcano chaser.

Very serious situation

I believe that a volcanic eruption will occur in Reykjanesskagi in about four to six hours, or at the latest about noon tomorrow. Contrary to the estimation of scientists from the Meteorological Office who thinks we have 2-7 more days
 
Warm Wisconsin

Warm Wisconsin

Easy as 3.141592653589..
The recent seismic activity in Grindavík, Iceland, is raising concern as it indicates an expansion of a magma tunnel that might extend towards the sea. Since midnight, around 800 earthquakes have been detected, concentrated around the area of a magma intrusion. Scientists predict a potential eruption near Sundhnjúkagígur and the city of Grindavík has been evacuated as a preventive measure. The Aviation Color Code has been raised to orange, indicating a heightened risk of eruption.

The latest data show a significant deformation in the region, with a 5-6 centimeter rise over a 12-day period at the northwest point of Þorbjörn mountain[2]. Magma movements have been observed at a depth of about four kilometers, hinting at a volcanic intrusion. The constant seismic activity suggests that the situation can change rapidly, potentially leading to earthquakes of a magnitude greater than.

Despite the intensity of the situation, ashfall is expected to be less severe if an eruption occurs on the shallow sea. However, scientists are closely monitoring the situation and are taking every necessary measure to ensure safety. Comparisons are being made to the Holuhraun eruption, a much larger event in terms of scale. Professor Þorvalður Þórðarson suggests that the current situation may result in an eruption of similar magnitude, with an estimated output of 300-400 cubic meters per second and a size around 0.5 cubic kilometers. Stay safe and alert as we await further updates from the scientific community.
 
H

Housecarl

On TB every waking moment
Posted for fair use......
www.reuters.com

Iceland prepares for volcanic eruption in coming days

Authorities ordered a complete evacuation of Grindavík, a fishing town of around 3,000 residents.
www.reuters.com www.reuters.com

Iceland prepares for volcanic eruption in coming days​

By Jacob Gronholt-pedersen
November 11, 202311:29 AM PST Updated 9 hours ago

COPENHAGEN, Nov 11 (Reuters) - Icelandic authorities said on Saturday they were preparing for a volcanic eruption in the southwest of the island in the coming days after a series of earthquakes and evidence of magma spreading rapidly underground.

The Icelandic Meteorological Office said there was a "considerable" risk of an eruption on or just off the Reykjanes peninsula because of the size of the underground magma intrusion and the rate at which it was moving.


"The probability of an eruption has increased since this morning and an eruption could start at any time in the next few days," it said in a statement.

Iceland's Civil Protection Agency overnight ordered a complete evacuation of Grindavik, a fishing town of around 3,000 residents.

The Reykjanes region has seen several eruptions in unpopulated areas in recent years. The latest is expected to begin on the seabed just southwest of Grindavik, the meteorological office said.


A tunnel of magma, or molten rock, that extends northeast across Grindavik and some 10 km further inland, was estimated late on Saturday at a depth of less than 800 metres, compared with 1,500 m earlier in the day, the office said.

On Thursday, increased seismic activity prompted the closure of the Blue Lagoon geothermal spa, one of Iceland's main tourist attractions.

Reykjanes is a volcanic and seismic hot spot southwest of the capital Reykjavik. In March 2021, lava fountains erupted spectacularly from a fissure in the ground measuring between 500 750 metres long in the region's Fagradalsfjall volcanic system.


Volcanic activity in the area continued for six months that year, prompting thousands of Icelanders and tourists to visit the scene. In August 2022, a three-week eruption happened in the same area, followed by another in July of this year.

The Fagradalsfjall system, which is around 6 km wide and 19 km long, had remained inactive for more than 6,000 years prior to the recent eruptions.

Reporting by Jacob Gronholt-Pedersen and Louise Rasmussen in Copenhagen; Editing by David Holmes and Christina Fincher
 
Countrymouse

Countrymouse

Country exile in the city
Housecarl said:
Posted for fair use......
www.reuters.com

Iceland prepares for volcanic eruption in coming days

Authorities ordered a complete evacuation of Grindavík, a fishing town of around 3,000 residents.
www.reuters.com www.reuters.com

Iceland prepares for volcanic eruption in coming days​

By Jacob Gronholt-pedersen
November 11, 202311:29 AM PST Updated 9 hours ago

COPENHAGEN, Nov 11 (Reuters) - Icelandic authorities said on Saturday they were preparing for a volcanic eruption in the southwest of the island in the coming days after a series of earthquakes and evidence of magma spreading rapidly underground.

The Icelandic Meteorological Office said there was a "considerable" risk of an eruption on or just off the Reykjanes peninsula because of the size of the underground magma intrusion and the rate at which it was moving.


"The probability of an eruption has increased since this morning and an eruption could start at any time in the next few days," it said in a statement.

Iceland's Civil Protection Agency overnight ordered a complete evacuation of Grindavik, a fishing town of around 3,000 residents.

The Reykjanes region has seen several eruptions in unpopulated areas in recent years. The latest is expected to begin on the seabed just southwest of Grindavik, the meteorological office said.


A tunnel of magma, or molten rock, that extends northeast across Grindavik and some 10 km further inland, was estimated late on Saturday at a depth of less than 800 metres, compared with 1,500 m earlier in the day, the office said.

On Thursday, increased seismic activity prompted the closure of the Blue Lagoon geothermal spa, one of Iceland's main tourist attractions.

Reykjanes is a volcanic and seismic hot spot southwest of the capital Reykjavik. In March 2021, lava fountains erupted spectacularly from a fissure in the ground measuring between 500 750 metres long in the region's Fagradalsfjall volcanic system.


Volcanic activity in the area continued for six months that year, prompting thousands of Icelanders and tourists to visit the scene. In August 2022, a three-week eruption happened in the same area, followed by another in July of this year.

The Fagradalsfjall system, which is around 6 km wide and 19 km long, had remained inactive for more than 6,000 years prior to the recent eruptions.

Reporting by Jacob Gronholt-Pedersen and Louise Rasmussen in Copenhagen; Editing by David Holmes and Christina Fincher
Click to expand...
Nothing more about this? With both Mt. Etna blowing on the 12th, then the volcano in Russia going a week later on the 19th, I was wondering when Iceland's volcano was going to add its input.

Then there's New Madrid..............
 
Big Sarge

Big Sarge

Old School
Wasn’t it Warm Wisconsin that went over there to observe the volcanic activity? I am curious also on the current SITREP. I haven’t noticed any earthquake activity 2.5 and higher listed on the USGS site recently. Did it go back to sleep?
 
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