Reykjanes Volcano

Updated: May 16, 2024 15:56 GMT - refresh

Crater rows 230 m / 755 ft
Reykjanes peninsula (SW Iceland), 63.89°N / -22.52°W
Current status: restless (2 out of 5)

Last update: 15 May 2024 (Smithsonian / USGS Weekly Volcanic Activity Report)

Activity Updates

Reykjanes volcano on the peninsula of the same name is a vast fissure system in SW Iceland. It is located where the Mid Atlantic Ridge emerges onto land.
It forms a vast area with many eruptive fissures, lava fields, hot springs and mud pools. In 2000, a large earthquake lowered the water level in Lake Kleifarvatn by 5 metres, but has gradually returned to normal since then.

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Typical eruption style: effusive (lava flows)
Reykjanes volcano eruptions: 1211, 1226, 2023 (Dec), 2024 (Jan), 2024 (Feb), 2024 (Mar)

Latest nearby earthquakes

Time	Mag. / Depth	Distance / Location
May 6, 08:34 pm (Reykjavik)	2.7 5.4 km	24 km (15 mi) to the E	5.9 km N of Krýsuvík I FELT IT	Info
May 6, 05:43 pm (Reykjavik)	3.3 5.6 km	24 km (15 mi) to the E	6.0 km N of Krýsuvík 5 reports	Info
Sunday, May 5, 2024 GMT (4 quakes)
May 5, 11:00 pm (Reykjavik)	2.5 6 km		Iceland: 1.0 km NW of Eldeyjardrangur	Info
May 5, 10:54 pm (Reykjavik)	2.5 8.2 km		Iceland: 2.1 km NNW of Eldeyjardrangur	Info
May 5, 10:53 pm (Reykjavik)	2.5 15 km		Iceland: 0.9 km NNW of Eldey	Info
May 5, 09:02 pm (Reykjavik)	2.6 8.9 km		Iceland: 1.7 km NW of Eldeyjardrangur	Info

View recent quakes

Background

The Reykjanes volcanic system at the SW tip of the Reykjanes Peninsula, where the Mid Atlantic Ridge rises above sea level, comprises a broad area of postglacial basaltic crater rows and small shield volcanoes.
The Reykjanes volcanic system is the westernmost of a series of four closely-spaced fissure systems that extend diagonally across the Reykjanes Peninsula. Most of the volcanic system is covered by Holocene lavas and eruptions have occurred in historical time during the 13th century at several locations on the NE-SW-trending fissure system.
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Source: GVP, Smithsonian Institute

Reykjanes Volcano Photos

Gunnuhver geothermal area, Reykjanes peninsula, Iceland (Photo: Janka)

Aerial view towards the SW over the active cone and the lava flow. Reykjanes southern coastline is visible in the background. (Photo: World-Geographic)