Rising ground points to continued eruption risk near Sundhnúkur

Ground uplift at Svartsengi indicates magma is continuing to accumulate, and a magma intrusion toward the Sundhnúkur crater row remains the most likely scenario, mbl.is reports, citing an updated assessment from the Icelandic Met Office.

Recent deformation measurements show the ground has risen steadily in recent months. The Met Office says the data point to magma building up several kilometres beneath the area, with pressure increasing. Seismic activity has been very low recently and is considered normal background activity.

A magma intrusion could lead to an eruption, but the timing of the next event cannot be predicted and the warning period may be short, the assessment says.

Authorities will continue to monitor developments. The current hazard map is valid until 5 January 2027, unless activity changes or new data prompt an earlier review.