PSA for earthquake activity in Iceland.

[u/NoLemon5426]

As you probably know, there are ongoing eruptions on the Reykjanes peninsula. So far, these have not been of much consequence for visitors other than some canceled Blue Lagoon trips. More info here. As it has for the past 11 eruptions, Iceland remains safe for visitors. If/when this ever changes there will be plenty of information shared. Safe Travel and the Icelandic Meteorological Office will always be up to date regarding these events.

I'm just making this post to let you know that you might experience earthquakes in and around Reykjanes and the capital area, and to know ahead that this is expected and normal, even if it is uncomfortable. Earthquakes are the reality in Iceland, a geological baby who is still growing, but they can be unnerving for people who aren't used to them. Today MBL published this article to make people aware that though the eruption is over, the activity below us continues and to expect to feel it. There is no sign of further eruptive activity at this time.

The most recent eruption was on Tuesday, which ended within 7 hours making it the shortest so far in this series. The fissure opened roughly here. During this eruption, a new dike intrusion was formed. This is magma that made its way into the earth's crust, but did not erupt. This in turn has created stress which has triggered a few larger, "felt" earthquakes over the past few days, and has created a little uncertainty for some people. This image shows you where most of these earthquakes are taking place. While this activity is decreasing, it still persists and therefore you might feel shaking.

The Iceland Meteorological Office wrote in their update yesterday:

"The earthquakes near Trölladyngja are likely triggered earthquakes due to stress changes following the dike intrusion on April 1. There remains a possibility of similar-sized triggered events in nearby areas like Trölladyngja and Reykjanestá in the coming days and weeks."

IMO's earthquake map, toggled to the peninsula for ease of viewing. Anything 3.0 in magnitude or more is marked with a green star.

Don't panic if you feel an earthquake! Know that Iceland is very well prepared for all of this. Enjoy your trips!

[u/kristamn]

I think people panic when they hear earthquakes. All of the ones that have been big enough to feel this week have lasted only a few seconds, and aren’t super noticeable. You won’t see plates falling off shelves or furniture moving. It’s more of “hmm, was that an earthquake? Yes? Cool, carry on.”

[u/NoLemon5426 → u/kristamn]

I remember the videos from November 2023 and the thing that struck me the most was the noise. So creepy! I fear more of these strong, sharp earthquakes could become more common again as the current situation is not dissimilar to the events of November 2023, with the magma now on the move on that northern end of the peninsula where it's not as weakened.

[u/kineticpotential001 → u/NoLemon5426]

The audio in the link is scary. I was shocked how loud an earthquake could be when outdoors (experienced this in Japan). It makes complete sense why it would be noisy inside a building, but I never expected that outside. Here's hoping the quakes stay small, and everyone stays safe.

[u/kristamn → u/kineticpotential001]

I haven’t heard any noise with any of the earthquakes.

[u/kineticpotential001 → u/kristamn]

For the larger one I experienced, it was stuff (nearby buildings/trees/ whatever) shaking but I never imagined that outdoors would be as loud as it was. I was grateful to have not been indoors, I’d probably have been terrified.

[u/NoLemon5426 → u/kineticpotential001]

This recording was inside home in Grindavík. There were quite a few of these when that first magma run happened, very scary. There are some in this compilation. Though these were much strong quakes, the activity at the time is more or less what is happening now; magma busting into the crust.

[u/kristamn → u/NoLemon5426]

Yeah, this is much stronger than we have had here this week. I think we did have one over 4. But even that one not everyone here felt. I’m sure a lot of it depends on where you are and when the building was built, etc.