Iceland Volcano: Continued Uplift in Svartsengi

Protective barriers surrounding the Svartsengi area in early November 2024. (Photo: The Icelandic Met Office / Bjarki Kaldalóns Friis)

ICELAND MET OFFICE

Update 3 June

• Uplift in Svartsengi continues

• Based on the rate of magma accumulation in recent weeks, the likelihood of a new eruption is expected to increase as autumn approaches

• Seismic activity near the dike continues to decrease

• The hazard assessment remains unchanged and is valid until June 18, provided no changes occur

Uplift and magma accumulation continue beneath Svartsengi. However, the rate of magma accumulation continues to gradually decrease compared to the rates observed in April and the first half of May. If magma accumulation continues at a similar pace as in recent weeks, the likelihood of a magma intrusion or eruption is expected to increase as autumn approaches. Changes in the rate of uplift—and therefore magma accumulation—beneath Svartsengi could, however, influence this assessment.

In recent days, between 10 and 20 small earthquakes have been recorded each day in the area around the dike that formed on April 1, 2025. Seismic activity has steadily decreased in recent weeks. Most of the earthquakes are concentrated in two clusters: one in the southern part of the dike near Grindavík and the other in the area between Sundhnúkur and Stóra Skógfell. Occasional earthquakes are also detected near the northern end of the dike, north of Keilir.

The hazard assessment has been updated and remains unchanged. It is valid until June 18, provided no changes occur. The next update will also be issued on June 18.