A 3.1-magnitude earthquake was recorded near Mt. Herðubreið shortly after 9:30 this morning, according to the Icelandic Meteorological Office.
As reported by RÚV, a quake of comparable strength occurred in March 2023. Another stronger magnitude 4 tremor was registered in October 2022. Kristín Elísa Guðmundsdóttir, a natural hazards specialist at the Icelandic Meteorological Office, confirmed to the news agency that the region has experienced several similar events in recent years.
Two smaller aftershocks followed this morning’s event, those these do not stray outside of what is expected from seismic activity near Herðubreið.
About Herðubreið
Herðubreið, meaning “broad-shouldered,” is a striking, flat-topped tuya mountain and volcano located in the northern part of Vatnajökull National Park, in south east Iceland.
Prominent on the horizon line, its steep sides were formed by sub-glacial eruptions during the last Ice Age. Given its uniquely symmetrical shape and the vastness of its surroundings, Mt. Herðubreið is often considered a prized subject among local and visiting photographers.
