The ongoing eruption on Iceland’s Reykjanes peninsula was visible from the capital area last night. Natural Hazard Specialist Böðvar Sveinsson of the Icelandic Met Office says the eruption has continued its recent pattern of low activity for 7-13 hours followed by higher activity for a similar length of time. Though it may appear to observers that there are new vents near the active crater, they are likely just holes connected to the main crater rather than independent channels, Böðvar told RÚV.
Lava from the eruption is mostly flowing eastward into Meradalir valley. Böðvar says it has likely been flowing in that direction for some time but has not been visible. This could be because the flow was underneath solidified lava, or because weather conditions have hampered visibility in recent days.
The eruption began on March 19, 2021 and has now been active for more than four months. Experts have stated that it is impossible to say how long it could last, but it could be years or decades. If the eruption continues for an extended period it could form a gently-sloping shield volcano.
