New Magmaininstrusion on Sundhnukur Crater Row | News

1.4.2025

Updated on April 1st at 6:30 p.m.

The volcanic activity north of Grindavík continues to decrease, with little visible activities on webcams or in the latest drone material. However, the seismic activity continues. The earthquake activity near the southern part of the magma dike near Grindavík has decreased, while the activity at the northern end of the dike is continued with similar intensity and has shifted further north in the last few hours. The seismic activity now extends almost 9 km north than the northernmost outbreak, which is formed during the outbreak in August 2024. The largest earthquakes were in size 3 and were felt in Vogar, about 7 km northwest of the active area.

The map shows the location of the earthquakes recorded today, April 1, 2025 and well -known lines of fault in the region. It indicates that the dominant fracture orientation is in the NE-SW region. No known fractures are shown in the Vogar area.

Deformation measurements show that Magma still flows from Svartsengi into the dike under the Sundhnúkur crater series. The seismic activity suggests that the magma moves to the northeast. Earthquakes occur in depths of about 4 to 6 km, and deformation data from this area are currently being analyzed. As long as significant seismic activity and deformation are continued, the possibility that Magma can reach the surface in the Sundhnúkur crater series or nearby, where the activity is concentrated.

The following card shows the LAVA extent from 12:34 p.m., which was formed by the outbreak that started this morning. The card is based on Iceye satellite images.

The risk assessment has been updated and will be valid tomorrow, April 2, until 3:00 p.m., unless the conditions change. The danger for zone 3 (Sundhnúkur Crater Row) remains very high (purple). In Zone 4 (Grindavík), the risk of danger was downgraded to high (red) due to the reduced risk due to ashfall and gas pollution. Changes to the dangers in zones 7 and 5 were also made, which were raised due to the continued seismic activity near the northeastern end of the dike from moderate (yellow) to considerable (orange).

Updated on April 1 at 2:40 p.m.

According to webcam observations, the volcanic activity seems to have decreased significantly in the last hour.

The seismic activity has not yet been completed, but is mainly in the northern and southern part of the dike.

Deformation measurements still show a persistent movement to the northeast, which points out that Magma is still flowing into the dike

Updated on April 1st at 12:35 p.m.

The total length of the eruptive fissure is now about 1,200 meters and extends further south.

The Icelandic meteorological office received a report that a hot water pipeline in the northern part of Grindavík was broken. This confirms that there have been considerable fault movements in the city.

The persistent seismic activity is recorded along the entire dike with the most intensive activity at the northeastern end. The penetration now extends over 3 km further northeast than in earlier outbreaks. Deformation data also show a continued shift towards the northeast. This indicates that Magma is still moving through the dike.

Seismic activity over the dike -since 4 a.m. this morning, April 1st.

Updated on April 1st at 11:00 a.m.

The fissure has stretched south. A new eruptive fissure has opened a few hundred meters within the protective barriers north of Grindavík – between the barriers and the city itself.

(The new fissors’ opening is on the left in the photo).

The weather forecast shows that today (Tuesday) there are southwestern winds with volcanic gas to the northeast, including above the capital. It is expected that the winds in the evening calm down and the gas pollution mainly concentrate on the eruptive fissure. Tomorrow morning (Wednesday) the winds shift to the northwest and later west and distributed the gas southeast and later to the east – including Þorlákshöfn and the oil fus region. The gas dispersion forecast can be found here.

The seismic activity continues at the southern end of the Magma ingress and also north of Stóra-Skógfell. Earthquakes were also measured near Reykjanestá, which are probably triggered by the stress release in connection with the activity in the Sundhnúkur crater series. You can find more information about the activity here.

Updated on April 1st at 10:30 a.m.

The first reports of the monitoring flight of the coast guard show that the fissure is now about 700 meters long and has remained relatively stable, although it cannot be excluded that it can continue to north or south. Seismic activity and deformation measurements continue to show ongoing activities.

The risk assessment has been updated. The alarm level for the Sundhnúkur crater series (zone 3) was increased at a very high risk (purple), and in Grindavík (Zone 4), high danger (red) was increased to a very high risk (purple). This danger rating is valid until April 2 at 10:30 a.m., unless the conditions change.

Updated on April 1 at 10:00 a.m.

The fissure is now about 500 meters long and has reached the protective barrier north of Grindavík. The fissure continues to grow and cannot be ruled out that it can open further south.

Updates from the helicopter of the coast guard are still expected.

The card shows the fissure, which is now about 500 m. long.

Updated on April 1st at 9:45 a.m.

An outbreak began north of the protective barrier near Grindavík.

A helicopter from the coast guard will start shortly to confirm the exact place and the size of the outbreak.

The length of the Magma ingress under the already formed Sundhnúkur crater series is about 11 km, the longest measured since November 11, 2023.

Further information will be available shortly.

In view of the current wind direction, the gas pollution from the outbreak is transferred northeast to the capital area. It is not possible to predict the intensity of pollution.

Here is a link to the gas dispersion forecast of the Icelandic Met Office.

Updated on April 1st at 9:20 a.m.

The danger rating was updated due to a magma intake in the Sundhnúkur crater series. As a result of the penetration, the probability of a volcanic eruption has increased.

The risk of danger in area 3 was increased from “high danger” to “very high dangers” (purple) and in area 4 (Grindavík), and the level of danger was increased from “considerable dangers” (orange) to “high dangers” (red).

The updated evaluation of the dangers is valid until 9:00 a.m. on April 2, unless the conditions change.

Updated on April 1st at 8:20 a.m.

Signals from GPS measuring devices are stronger than those that have been observed in recent events in the Sundhnúkur crater series. This indicates that a considerable amount of magma is currently in motion.

The signals show that magma moves to the northeast and south towards Grindavík. At this stage it is not possible to determine where the magma appears, but it is noteworthy that the southern shift of deformation signals during the outbreak that began in November 2024 was not observed.

Rescue workers in Grindavík have reported that earthquakes can be felt in the city, and there are also signs of deformation, which indicates that rejection could occur in the city itself.

Updated on April 1 at 7.25 a.m.

A swarm of earthquake began at 6:30 a.m. in the Sundhnúks crater series. The swarm is located between Sýlingbarfell and Stóra-Skógfell, similar to that of previous outbreaks can be seen.

The swarm of earthquake was followed by a clear change in the deformation and pressure changes in the boreholes operated by HS Orka. Both independent measurements were a clear sign for the insertion of a magma.

So far, no magma has reached the surface, but it is likely that an outbreak will occur.

The new is updated.