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Seismic activity prompts reassessment in Reykjanesskagi, Iceland

Tuesday 23rd 2024 on 10:32 in  
Iceland

Seismic Activity on Reykjanesskagi

A new assessment of the seismic risks in the Reykjanesskagi area is expected today, following nine small earthquakes measured overnight. The region continues to experience land uplift, suggesting that more developments may occur in the coming weeks.

Scientists from the Icelandic Meteorological Office are convening today to discuss the current situation, with an updated hazard assessment anticipated after the meeting. The existing hazard assessment is set to expire today.

In the last 24 hours, eleven earthquakes have been detected near the magma intrusion at the Sundhnjúkur volcanic system, adding to around 90 recorded in the past week. Most of these seismic events have been minor, measuring under magnitude one.

Ingibjörg Andrea Bergþórsdóttir, a natural hazard specialist, noted that daily seismic activity has increased, although it rarely exceeds 10 to 20 earthquakes per day. She indicated, “We expect significant events in the next three to four weeks. While it’s possible for an earthquake swarm to begin, the current situation remains calm.”

Land uplift continues steadily, a pattern observed prior to past eruptions where over 50 earthquakes were recorded each day leading up to the event.

Despite the increased seismicity, there have been no reports of significant swarms in nearby areas. Ingibjörg stated that while minor quakes have been detected on the Reykjanes ridge, the region as a whole has remained relatively stable. She added that there are occasional small tremor swarms in Hengill and Brennisteinsfjöll, but no larger quakes have occurred.

Source 
(via ruv.is)