In Iceland, the Litli Hrútur volcano has recently created a fascinating natural spectacle. The fire mountain near the capital Reykjavik has been spewing lava for several days. Researchers, as well as tourists from all over the world, like to take a long walk to see the spectacle up close.
It is the third time in two and a half years that Iceland has experienced a volcanic eruption near the capital Reykjavik. An eruption has begun just northwest of Litli-Hrútur mountain, Iceland’s weather agency Vedurstofa said on its website. On Tuesday night, she spoke of a 900-meter canyon and lava flowing much faster than previous eruptions in the area.
Lava spews out of a long crevice in the ground
The eruption doesn’t look like what you’d imagine a classic volcanic eruption to look like: Instead of a massive lava stream shooting up from a cone-shaped volcano, lava gushed out of a long fissure in the earth. This type of eruption is also known as a fissure eruption. It usually does not lead to large explosions or huge ash columns.
How long the lava flow will last is unclear. The 2021 eruption had caused lava fountains to shoot up again and again for almost half a year, the 2022 eruption was shorter. The natural spectacle attracted many volcanologists, but also hikers and tourists.
The authority linked the report to a warning for those who wanted to go directly to the natural spectacle: the walk to the site of the eruption was long and the scenery challenging – it was therefore recommended to wait and follow instructions from civil defense .
“I’m not used to walking, so I was shocked when I heard it’s almost 20 kilometers in each direction. (…) You’re so excited about what’s ahead that you don’t even think about it,” says Zoe Poulopoulou, a student from Greece, who was eager to see the natural spectacle.
“You only get an opportunity like this once”
“It’s crazy, I’ve never seen anything like it before, it’s really cool. I didn’t know you could get so close, which really surprised me. You only get a chance like that once in a lifetime,” says Matthew Duick , a student from Canada, enthusiastic.
The volcanic area is located about 40 kilometers southwest of Reykjavik. The last volcanic eruptions in the area were in August 2022 and before that in March 2021, after being heralded by numerous earthquakes.
A series of earthquakes heralded the eruption
Once again, there have been thousands of earthquakes in the region in recent days, most recently late Sunday night being the most violent of the current 5.2 magnitude earthquake swarm. Experts had expected a new outbreak due to the quakes. As in 2021 and 2022, the risk to the population was classified as low.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
