'Baby' Volcano Spewing Lava Over Iceland's Fagradalsfjall Region

A volcano has been born in Iceland following an eruption that opened a 1.7-mile-long fissure in the ground.

A Live Science report said the incandescent lava was still spewing and flowing south towards the area of the region's last volcanic eruption.

The latest eruption transpired last Monday, June 10, after several days of seismic activity.

Experts noted that there were more than 7,000 earthquakes recorded in the region beginning July 4.

A statement from the Icelandic Met Office indicated that the most powerful earthquake recorded was the magnitude 4.8 that happened on July 5.

The largest earthquakes were widely felt in the SW-area, from Hella to the east, as well as towards Snæfellsnes peninsula in the north.

Observations from the volcanic eruption

Experts said the continuation of the activity was expected, however, the seismic activity had already decreased somewhat in the vicinity of the dike.

Meanwhile, the seismic activities had continued in the area between Keilir and Fagradalsfjall, which were interpreted to be triggered events.

Latest updates about the volcanic eruption said a new hazard map was already made, which showed the vicinity of the eruption area. Scientists warned against the danger of the eruption, adding that the conditions in the region could rapidly change.

The Icelandic Met Office said the main hazards from the volcanic eruption could bring gas pollution, that often increases when the wind decreases.

The agency explained that hazardous gases could collect in depressions and be fatal.

"The lava can cause wildfires in the area that significantly reduce air quality. New volcanic fissures can open without notice. Lava blocks can fall from the edge of the lava field. New lava can suddenly flow at high speeds from the edge," according to the Icelandic Met Office.

Authorities also noted some key observations in the natural activity. These include the following:

•  A lava-producing fissure eruption is happening in the area close to Litli-Hrútur mountain in the Reykjanes Peninsula.
•  The eruption is occurring in an uninhabited area and it poses no immediate threat or risk to infrastructure.
•  The intensity of the eruption has decreased considerably during the first 24 hours.
•  The volcanic ash is not actually produced by the eruption.
•  Close to the eruption, the main hazards include the incandescent, flowing lava and volcanic gases.

Meanwhile, the government in Iceland already warned tourists and other spectators to maintain a distance from the newly erupting volcano that is spewing lava and other kinds of gases from a fissure in the country's southwest, according to a Fox 10 report.

"Gas pollution is high around the eruption and dangerous. Travelers are advised not to enter the area until responders have had a chance to evaluate conditions," the MET Office said in the report.

Read Also: Volcanic Eruption In Iceland Threatens To Shut Down Air Travel In US and Europe

Previous eruption of Fagradalsfjall volcano

Records showed that the Fagradalsfjall volcano erupted after lying dormant for 800 years on March 19, 2021. Three months after this activity, the volcano still spewed lava and expanding its flow field.

The lava flows were estimated to cover a total area of three square kilometers.

Experts said that the Iceland averages an eruption for every four to five years.

The most disruptive recorded in the recent times was the 2010 eruption of the Eyjafjallajokull volcano.

The said eruption had sent huge clouds of ash into the atmosphere, which later led to widespread airspace closures over Europe.

Related Article: A Look Inside The Earth: Iceland Volcanic Eruption Opens Opportunities For Extensive Study

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