Fagradalsfjall volcano Eruption 2022 | Volcano Eruption in Iceland
Did you know that a volcano in Iceland erupted twice in 2022? It’s called the Fagradalsfjall volcano, and it had been quiet for almost 800 years until it surprised everyone with a second eruption in less than a year. You might be wondering, why did it happen again so soon? Is it dangerous? Can I still see the magma flow from the eruption? Let me break it down for you.
Current Status of Eruption in Nearby Areas
The eruption happened on the Reykjanes Peninsula, which is less than 30 kilometers away from Iceland’s capital. Thankfully, it didn’t pose much danger to people because it occurred in an uninhabited valley called Meradalir. That means tourists and scientists could safely witness this incredible event. The lava flows are currently contained within empty valleys, so they’re not threatening anyone. Plus, there are no nearby bodies of water that could cause dangerous explosions.
Some people have been worried about traveling to Iceland because the eruption was about 15 kilometers from the local airport. But don’t worry, the airport stayed open and fully functional throughout the eruption and is still operational even now. The Icelandic Prime Minister, Katrin Jakobsdottir, assured everyone that the eruption didn’t pose any risk to populated areas or important infrastructure. Experts on the scene are actively monitoring the volcano and will keep the public on the situation to make sure everyone stays safe.
What Caused the Eruption?
Now, let’s talk about why this eruption happened. The Fagradalsfjall Volcano is located on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, where the North American plate and the Eurasian plate are slowly moving apart. Last year’s eruption was a sign that something was brewing beneath the surface. And sure enough, increased earthquakes in the area signaled the possibility of an eruption. A 5.5 magnitude earthquake on July 31 was one of the main triggers. By August 2, magma was sitting about 800 meters below the surface, ready to burst out. So, the eruption wasn’t entirely unexpected.
Is the Eruption Safe?
Here’s the exciting part! This eruption has actually become a tourist attraction. Icelanders like to call it a “tourist eruption.” It’s drawing people from all over the world. Even airlines, hotels, and bus companies are taking advantage of this unique event to revive tourism, especially after the pandemic slowed things down. You can now join guided tours to witness the eruption up close and personal. It’s an opportunity of a lifetime to see the land formation process firsthand!
As Birgir Jonsson, chief executive officer of Play Air says, “There are not many things that can beat having an eruption an easy distance from your hotel and airport bar, so this is extremely positive”. So what are you waiting for? Book your stay at the Blue House now and witness this one-of-a-kind event that will surely be worth your while and will definitely become a memory you’d treasure forever.
After all, our Blue House is very close to this currently famous tourist attraction and will give you a first-row ticket to this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity!
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