Iceland volcano erupts in Reykjavik after small earthquakes

The novel Journey to the Center of the Earth (and its movie adaptation) has painted Iceland’s capital Reykjavik as a region of constant seismic and volcanic activity. Science fiction aside, Reykjavik does bear the burden of such activities every now and then. 

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After thousands of earthquakes were detected near Reykjavik, a volcano erupted in its geothermally volatile southern region on July 10 (Monday). However, Icelanders need not worry for now as the Iceland Meteorological Office categorised the volcano as “minor” with no ash emitted in the nearby regions. 

The IMO reported a 200-metre-long fissure on the Litli Hrtur mountain's slopes, "from which lava is emerging as a series of fountains".

After more than four thousand minor earthquakes were detected in the past few weeks, geologists warned of upcoming eruptions.

In the photos, lava can be seen streaming through black fields, with a few flames in the distance and thick smoke rising in the air.

The IMO said there were no "immediate risks" to towns or infrastructure because the eruption occurred in an uninhabited area, but it cautioned people to not go near the area because of the accumulation of "dangerously high levels of volcanic gases".

The wind will carry some of these gases north, potentially affecting several areas including the Icelandic capital, the IMO said.

The IMO also states that the wind will blow some of these gases north, potentially harming various regions, including Iceland's capital.

The land of Reykjavik had been volcanically inactive for eight centuries before a 2021 eruption. Volcanologists believe that the present rise in volcanic activity will last for several years, ushering in a new cycle of heightened volcanic occurrences.