Iceland Volcano: 8th Eruption Breaches Grindavík Barriers

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Iceland's Reykjanes Peninsula shook awake again as a new volcanic eruption sent molten rock surging through protective barriers north of Grindavík town early April 1st.

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The fissure, initially 500 meters long, rapidly expanded to 1,200 meters—nearly three-quarters of a mile—and continues stretching southward toward populated areas.

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Seismic instruments detected earthquake swarms hours before the eruption, beginning around 06:30 AM near the Sundhnúkur crater row.

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A hot water pipeline has ruptured in northern Grindavík, confirming significant ground faulting within the town itself during this eighth eruption since December 2023.

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Authorities evacuated Grindavík and the famous Blue Lagoon geothermal spa, with police commissioner Úlfar Lúðvíksson urgently warning people to "Leave the danger zone.

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What makes this eruption particularly worrisome: the new fissure opened just inside protective barriers, between the barriers and Grindavík itself.

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The Icelandic Meteorological Office raised hazard levels to "very high" (purple) for the Sundhnúkur area and "high" (red) for Grindavík, as lava threatens to enter inhabited areas.

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Current southwesterly winds are directing volcanic gases northeastward toward Reykjavík, while webcams show eruption intensity has decreased significantly by afternoon.

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The eruption reflects Iceland's position atop the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates are gradually pulling apart.

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Unlike the ash-producing 2010 Eyjafjallajökull eruption that disrupted European air travel, nearby Keflavík International Airport continues operating normally.

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