Earthquake swarm on Reykjanes Ridge shifts closer to land

An earthquake swarm on the Reykjanes Ridge has moved 35 kilometres closer to land, mbl.is reports.

The activity began on Tuesday evening about 55 kilometres southwest of Eldey. Around 80 earthquakes have been recorded since midnight, with the largest measuring 3.0 and 3.4 at around 2am, according to preliminary measurements by the Icelandic Meteorological Office.

The measurements are still being reviewed. At the same time, seismic activity has stopped in the area where the swarm began, about 35 kilometres farther offshore. No earthquakes have been recorded there since before noon on Wednesday.

Steinunn Helgadóttir, a natural hazards specialist on duty at the Icelandic Meteorological Office, said it was not unusual for this type of seismic activity to move. The earthquakes recorded overnight appear to have originated just under 20 kilometres southwest of Eldey.

Earthquake swarms are common offshore along the Reykjanes Ridge, she said. The ridge lies on a plate boundary where the plates move apart, regularly releasing pressure through such swarms.

The activity was strongest between midnight and 3am before slowing down. Steinunn said it could become active again.