Title: Third Eruption in Less Than Two Years Hits Reykjanes Peninsula, Litla-Hrút Volcano Unleashes Fiery Fury

The bike tour ends at 1:50 and the volcano show begins.

Date: July 13, 2023

In a stunning display of nature's power, a new volcanic eruption has been unleashed upon the Reykjanes Peninsula, marking the third such event in under two years. The eruption, which began at 16:40 on July 10, originates from the vicinity of Litla-Hrút and is propelling molten lava northwestward.

The volcanic activity has sparked fires close to the eruption sites. The combination of dry terrain and strong winds has contributed to the rapid spread of these fires.

On the following day, the eruption at Litla-Hrút experienced a significant size reduction, with the volcanic activity subsiding at both ends of the fissure. As reported by the Southern Volcanoes and Natural Hazards Group's website, only the central section of the fissure continues to emit lava. This behavior mirrors that of a similar eruption witnessed in August of the previous year.

It has been observed that smoke inhalation from the wildfires may pose a greater risk than gas pollution associated with the volcanic activity. The dense smoke from the fires hovers near the ground, potentially causing respiratory issues and posing a threat to public health. Consequently, this eruption site appears to be more hazardous compared to the two previous eruptions in 2021 and 2022.

Reaching the volcano necessitates a round trip of approximately 20 kilometers, making it a challenging endeavor suitable primarily for experienced hikers. On average, completing this journey takes about 3 to 4 hours for seasoned trekkers.

The magma tunnel extending beneath Keilir is considerably longer than the fissure itself, indicating an expansive danger zone associated with the eruption.

Experts have noted a substantial increase in gas pollution during this eruption, surpassing levels witnessed in the previous two occurrences. Residents and visitors are advised to exercise caution and take necessary precautions to minimize exposure to harmful gases.

Preliminary assessments by local authorities and eyewitness accounts suggest that the eruption at Litla-Hrút dwarfs its predecessors on the Reykjanes Peninsula. The extent of the fissure, measuring approximately 900 meters, far exceeds the dimensions of the 150-meter and 250-meter fissures observed during the previous eruptions. Furthermore, the volume of lava released during this event is estimated to be ten to twenty times greater than the output witnessed in the preceding two years.

As this fiery spectacle continues to unfold, scientists, authorities, and residents alike remain vigilant, closely monitoring the evolving situation while ensuring the safety of those affected by the eruption on the Reykjanes Peninsula.