Tourists trek to see Iceland’s volcanic eruptions up close

“So far, we know that the eruption poses no risk to populated areas or critical infrastructure,” Icelandic Prime Minister Katrin Jakobsdottir said in a statement. “Of course, we will continue to monitor the situation closely.”

Volcanic fissures typically do not cause large explosions or significant dispersion of ash into the stratosphere. However, people were warned to stay away due to the dangers of noxious gases and hot magma.

“The eruption follows intense seismic activity over the past few days,” the foreign ministry said. “It is believed to be relatively small.”

According to the Icelandic Meteorological Office, the exact location of the eruption is at Meradalir, about a kilometer north of Mount Storivurtuur.

It added that the region had recently experienced “strong earthquakes” and warned of tremors, falling rocks and gas pollution. The same volcano erupted last year, and the eruption lasted about six months.

Volcanoes are a reality of Iceland, a country located atop the Mid-Atlantic Ridge caused by the separation of the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates. On average, the country experiences volcanic activity about every four years.

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But the same geological activity is also responsible for some of the country’s most dramatic natural features, such as the black-sand beaches and geothermal lagoons that draw millions of foreign tourists.

The current volcano response is led by the Civil Protection and Emergency Management Authority, together with the Meteorological Agency and the University of Iceland. Scientists are also assessing the situation on Coast Guard helicopters, the government said.

Washington Post