Blue Lagoon shuttered due to concerns about volcanic eruption in Iceland

Iceland is experiencing thousands of minor earthquakes, raising concerns about a possible volcanic eruption. The Icelandic Met Office (IMO) has detected over 20,000 tremors since late October, with 1,400 occurring in the 24 hours leading up to midday on Thursday. Due to this heightened geological activity, the popular tourist destination, Blue Lagoon, has been temporarily closed as a precautionary measure. The increased tremors are concentrated in the southwestern Reykjanes Peninsula, which had been dormant for 800 years before a volcanic eruption in 2021. The IMO has reported that magma, or molten rock, is accumulating at a depth of approximately 5km northwest of Thorbjorn mountain, which offers a clear view of the Blue Lagoon. In response to concerns for the welfare of their employees, the owners of the Blue Lagoon have decided to keep the site closed until November 16th. The Met Office has recorded the largest earthquake since the heightened activity began, measuring a magnitude of 5.0 in the Fagradalsfjall volcanic area, situated around 30km from the capital city, Reykjavik. Lilta Omarsdottir from the Icelandic Civil Protection Agency has been stationed in the nearby town of Grindavik to prepare for a potential evacuation if necessary. While there is currently no immediate need for evacuation, local authorities are ready in case "magma appears to rise to the surface." Volcanic eruptions occur when magma, which is lighter than the surrounding solid rock, reaches the Earth's surface from deep underground. If an eruption becomes imminent, Grindavik would have approximately a day and a half's notice. It is important to note that Ms. Lilta emphasized that there is no risk of a massive explosion similar to the one in 2010 when the Eyjafjallajokull eruption resulted in the closure of northern European airspace for days. Iceland is known for its high level of geological activity and is home to around 30 active volcanic sites. In July, the Fagradalsfjall area witnessed the eruption of a volcano named Litli-Hrutur, also known as Little Ram, attracting tourists who were eager to witness the "world's newest baby volcano." This site had been dormant for eight centuries until eruptions occurred in 2021, 2022, and 2023.