Magma Build-Up At Svartsengi Could Trigger New Eruption

An eruption could begin at Svartsengi before the end of the month, the Icelandic Met Office warns. Magma accumulation beneath the area is now estimated at eight to nine million cubic metres, and activity is expected once the volume approaches 11 million.

Uplift and magma build-up have continued since the last eruption, with the hazard assessment unchanged but due for review next week. The Met Office says magma is gathering at a similar rate to recent weeks, meaning the threshold could be reached before the end of September.

Past eruptions have shown that events can start with less magma in place, while in other cases, a greater volume was required. Officials therefore stress that an eruption could occur at any time.

In case you missed our report from the last eruption in July, watch it on our YouTube channel.

The image is from our archive, used for illustrative purposes only.