Volcanic eruption in Iceland | science and planet

The explosion occurred on the southwestern Reykjanes peninsula, about 40 kilometers outside the capital, Reykjavik. There has been a lot of seismic activity in recent days. About 10,000 earthquakes have been recorded in the area since Saturday, according to the Norwegian Meteorological Service.

Local media reported that the Civil Defense on the island of the island is asking people to be careful and not to enter the area. Scientists are on their way by helicopter to assess the situation. A prominent volcanologist said the fissure is several hundred metres, but it is still difficult to estimate the size of the eruption.

The State Department said risks to populated areas and critical infrastructure were estimated to be extremely low. The country’s main airport is located on the peninsula, but there is no air traffic disruption so far.

Before the eruption last year, it had been nearly 800 years since the volcano in Reykjanes became active. Iceland has thirty volcanic systems and more than six hundred hot springs. The country is one of the most geologically active places on Earth.

In April 2010, the volcano erupted under the Eyjafjallajökull glacier. Then thousands of flights were cancelled. Airlines and airports suffered billions of dollars in losses.