4.2-Magnitude Earthquake In Bárðarbunga

An earthquake measuring 4.2 in magnitude struck Bárðarbunga just before 8:30 this morning, reports RÚV. A smaller earthquake, measuring 2.9, occurred in the same area shortly before, followed by several smaller aftershocks.

Kristín Elísa Guðmundsdóttir, a natural hazards specialist at the Icelandic Met Office, stated that earthquakes of this magnitude have been common in Bárðarbunga since the Holuhraun eruption ended in 2015. The last similar earthquakes were recorded in mid-January.

Kristín Elísa notes that it is unlikely anyone felt the tremors, as the epicentre is in the highlands with no nearby settlements. There are no signs of volcanic unrest, but the Icelandic Met Office continues to monitor the situation.

In addition to the earthquakes in Bárðarbunga, there has been no change in volcanic activity on the Reykjanes Peninsula, despite scientists warning on Monday that a new eruption could start at any moment.

Follow the Grapevine’s ongoing volcano coverage.