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Volcanic eruption on the Reykjanes Peninsula (archive picture): Thousands of earthquakes have been registered in the area in the past few days.
Photo: GOLLI / ICELANDREVIEW / EPA
The earth under the southwest of Iceland is not calming down - although the month-long volcanic eruption in this area was declared over a few days ago.
The Meteorological Institute of the North Atlantic Island recorded thousands of earthquakes in the volcanic area on the Reykjanes Peninsula southwest of Reykjavik in the past few days: including several on Christmas Eve and on Saturday night, several with a magnitude of over 4.0.
As reported by the Icelandic broadcaster RÚV, satellite data indicate that magma flows are moving underground and trying to reach the surface.
This is what causes earthquakes.
As before the volcanic eruption in spring, these occur in waves.
However, it is still unclear whether all of this will lead to another eruption.
The volcanic eruption on the peninsula began in mid-March.
Since then, lava from an underground volcanic system called Krýsuvík has splashed and gushed out of the earth.
Although the area is only about 30 kilometers from the Icelandic capital Reykjavik, there was no danger to people or surrounding areas.
Instead, the spectacle became a magnet for volcanologists, hikers and nature lovers.
The outbreak was officially declared over about a week ago.
It is the longest recorded in Iceland so far.
che / dpa
