From Iceland – earthquake swarm in Reykjanes, likely lateral movement of magma

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Posted on December 22, 2021

photo from photography

Axel Sigurarsson

A series of significantly large earthquakes – that is, of magnitude 3.0 or greater – have been detected in Reykjanes since early this morning, all near Vagradalsvial.

While there was a couple late last night, the action started coming in this morning, starting at 01:34. Since then, about 20 earthquakes of magnitude 3 or more have been detected in the area at the time of writing. All of them were near Fagradalsfjall, the site of the volcanic eruption that began last March.

The largest of these earthquakes so far was 4.9 were detected at 9:23, 3.2 km south-southwest of Vagradalsvial.

Scientists analyzing this activity believe that this is due to lateral movement of magma, not an impending eruption. In fact, there are no signs of an imminent outbreak.

However, the area’s flyover symbol has been raised to orange, erring on the side of caution.

We will keep you posted on any updates as they arise.

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