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Three years running: Fresh volcanic eruption in Iceland

17:00
11 July 2023

Three years running
Fresh volcanic eruption in Iceland

People gather in front of active volcanoVisitors gather near on the Reykjanes peninsula to witness Iceland's latest volcanic eruption. - © picture alliance

After thousands of earthquakes in recent days, a volcanic eruption has occurred on the Reykjanes Peninsula, Iceland.

More than 6,000 earthquakes around the Liti-Hrútur mountains preceded the eruption which took place Monday afternoon.

Southwest of the country's capital Reykjavik, the volcano erupted with smoke rising above the mountain of fire as lava fountains gushed from a primary fissure of 650 feet on the Liti-Hrútur mountain.

The earthquakes began last Tuesday and mirror the situation seen in March 2021 when eruptions at Fagradalsfjall erupted for the first time in over 800 years, lasting for more than six months.

Another eruption occurred in early 2022 with the location quickly becoming a tourist hotspot due to the astonishing views created by the effusive eruption which is far less violent than an explosive eruption.

2022: Fagradalsfjall eruptsread more

The volcano even became a popular spot for couples to wed, with flowing lava in the wedding day pictures offering a unique memory.

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The current eruption is taking place northwest of the previous activity. Much of the area surrounding the volcano in uninhabited.

This is a small event, meaning there is no threat of ash disrupting travel though visitors are being asked to remain away from the main fissure due to potentially toxic gases with hiking trails temporarily closed.

Iceland is a volcanic hotspot in Europe and typically sees eruptions every five years on average from its 32 active volcanoes.

Ryan Hathaway
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