Reykjanes Peninsula

 

The Reykjanes Peninsula, located in southwestern Iceland, is a geologically active region straddling the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, a divergent tectonic boundary. Its volcanic history spans thousands of years, with eruptive episodes characterized by effusive lava flows, the formation of shield volcanoes, and occasional explosive activity.

Location:	Iceland
Coordinates:	63.889851, -22.261916

 

Reykjanes Peninsula’s Location

 

Reykjanes Peninsula Latest Status

December 2024: The eruption that commenced in November is now officially over.

 

Reykjanes Peninsula’s Eruptive History

 

12th-13th centuries	Multiple fissure eruptions produced extensive lava fields, including the Kapelluhraun and Eldeyjarhraun.
1783	The submarine Reykjaneshryggur eruption occurred offshore, forming a short-lived island.
1921-1924	A series of fissure eruptions in the Krýsuvík volcanic system.
2021	Fagradalsfjall eruption (March-September 2021): Began on March 19, 2021 Lasted for about 6 months Attracted many tourists and became known as a “tourist volcano”
2022	Fagradalsfjall eruption (August 2022). Started on August 3, 2022. Lasted for about three weeks.
2023	Fagradalsfjall eruption (July-August 2023): Began on July 10, 2023. Lasted for about a month.
2023-2024	Svartsengi eruption (December 2023-February 2024). Started on December 18, 2023, near the town of Grindavík. Caused evacuation of Grindavík and damage to infrastructure. Intermittent activity continued into early 2024
2024	Grindavík fissure eruption (January 2024): Began on January 14, 2024. Opened a fissure through part of Grindavík town. Caused significant damage to buildings and infrastructure
2024	Sýlingarfell. Started on May 29, 2024, northeast of Sýlingarfell and lasted until June 24th. The lava flow covered an area of 8.6 square kilometers.
2024	Sundhnúksgígaröð – Started on August 22, 2024. The fissure’s length is currently at 1.5km, but it is extending north and south. The nearby fishing village of Grindavik is being evacuated.
2024	November. Eruption. The fissure has reached approx 3km. Lava is flowing in a NE direction. Nearby Grindavík has been evacuated.

 

Reykjanes Peninsula’s Monitoring

For monitoring information, please refer to the Icelandic Meteorological Office.

 

Images of Reykjanes Peninsula