One of the most disruptive volcanic eruptions in Iceland’s recent history occurred in 2010, when Eyjafjallajokull released an ash plume so large it grounded air traffic for weeks.
Photographer: Etienne De Malglaive / Getty Images
Photographer: Etienne De Malglaive / Getty Images
Residents of Iceland’s capital, Reykjavik, were told to brace themselves for a possible volcanic eruption in the next few hours or days, although authorities said there was no indication that the event would threaten human life or property.
The Icelandic Met Office said a volcanic region close to the capital was expected to slowly release lava over the next few weeks, with the development potentially causing earthquakes of magnitude of until 6.5 on the Richter scale.
The event is unlikely to affect air traffic, the office said, although flights within 120 kilometers (75 miles) may experience some disruption.
One of the most disruptive volcanic eruptions in Iceland’s recent history occurred in 2010, when Eyjafjallajokull released an ash plume so large it grounded air traffic for weeks.
Iceland, which has 30 volcanic systems and more than 600 hot springs, stretches across tectonic plates on the mid-Atlantic ridge, making it one of the most geologically active places on Earth.