Explosive activity ceases in Iceland following a three-week long volcano outbreak
The Reykjanes Peninsula in southwest Iceland, known for its volcanic activity, has recently experienced a series of eruptions since 2021. The latest activity, which began on July 16, 2025, near the Sundhnúkur crater row, concluded around August 5, 2025.
The July 2025 eruption occurred along a fissure about 700 to 1,000 meters long near Stóra-Skógfell, southeast of Litla-Skógfell close to Grindavík. Initially, lava flowed mostly north, but later stabilized with lava flowing southeast. The eruption discharge was steady but decreased in fountaining intensity during its course. Lava extrusion slowed, but lava continued to thicken and partially flow beneath the surface, building pressure near lava edges.
Prior to this, another eruption lasted 24 days from May 29 to June 24, 2025, near Sundhnúk northeast of Sýlingarfell, dispersing roughly 17-27 million cubic meters of magma over about 15.1 square kilometers.
The Reykjanes Peninsula forms part of the Reykjanes volcanic system, characterized by fissure eruptions with lava flows. This system exhibits frequent rift zone fissure eruptions, typical of Iceland’s location on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge. The eruptions mainly involve effusive lava flows rather than explosive activity, producing lava fields that can grow over several square kilometers.
Magmatic intrusion and uplift continue beneath Svartsengi, a volcanically active area within the system, signaling ongoing magma accumulation and a potential for future eruptions. Continuous monitoring by the Icelandic Meteorological Office and academic experts is ongoing, providing timely updates about any volcanic changes or new eruptions.
Safety authorities maintain active protocols including hazard assessments and public information to mitigate risks. Walking on newly solidified lava is extremely dangerous due to thin crusts hiding glowing lava beneath. The lava edges are particularly hazardous because of the risk of sudden breakouts and collapses. Gas pollution near the eruption sites can exceed safe limits, requiring monitoring and possible restrictions on access. Access to nearby towns like Grindavík and tourist areas (e.g., Blue Lagoon, Fagradalsfjall) is controlled and updated regularly based on volcanic activity and gas levels.
Despite the eruption being over, it is crucial to maintain a safe distance from the lava field. Entering the newly formed lava is life-threatening due to the risk of surface crust collapse and glowing lava beneath. The Reykjanes peninsula, while sparsely populated, has seen many sightseers flock to witness the lava spectacle since the eruption began. The Meteorological Office warns that entering the newly formed lava is life-threatening due to the risk of surface crust collapse and glowing lava beneath.
- The eruption on the Reykjanes Peninsula in July 2025, though primarily manifesting as effusive lava flows, also presents opportunities for scientific research in health-and-wellness, with the newly formed lava fields potentially influencing the surrounding environment.
- As environmental-science endeavors to scrutinize the long-term effects of the Reykjanes Peninsula's volcanic activity on the land and water resources, it is essential that protocols for public safety continue to be strictly enforced.
