Magma has stopped collecting under Þorbjörn mountain on the Reykjanes peninsula, and the uplift (land rise) that it was causing has now stopped. The Icelandic Met Office reports that seismic activity in the area has decreased significantly, though it remains important for the area’s residents to take preventative measures due to the likelihood of earthquakes.
In late January, Icelandic authorities declared a state of uncertainty due to possible magma accumulation a few kilometres west of Þorbjörn mountain. Land rise and earthquake swarms were detected in the area, suggesting magma was accumulating underground. Nearby residents were prepared for a possible eruption, though authorities stated it was more likely the activity would calm without one, as has been the case.
“In the beginning of April the uplift in Þorbjörn decreased and, in the second part of the month, it stopped. The area around Þorbjörn is now most likely recovering after the large induced stress, and the injected magma is cooling down and contracting,” a notice from the Icelandic Met Office states.
Earthquakes may still occur
“The current observations and the course of events over the last several months suggest that there is an active long-term process ongoing in the area,” the notice continues. “The possibility of renewed activity in the near future at Þorbjörn, Reykjanes or elsewhere on the Reykjanes peninsula cannot be discarded.”
The Met Office encourages residents of the area to prevent damage or injuries by securing furniture in their homes so that they do not fall in the event of an earthquake. This includes residents in the Reykjavík capital area, as earthquakes on the Reykjanes peninsula can be felt there as well.
