Produced by: Manoj Kumar
After 800 years of dormancy, the Reykjanes Peninsula has entered a new era of eruptions, with scientists warning that volcanic activity could persist for decades.
Molten rock surged through Grindavík, damaging infrastructure and forcing evacuations, marking the latest in a series of eruptions reshaping Iceland’s landscape.
Recent volcanic events have occurred with little warning, suggesting magma is accumulating beneath the surface, ready to break through at any moment.
Iceland’s vital Svartsengi geothermal power plant sits near the eruption zone, raising concerns about potential damage to essential electricity and water supplies.
The famous Blue Lagoon spa has shut down as authorities evaluate whether continued eruptions could impact Iceland’s thriving tourism industry.
Scientists struggle to predict the next eruption, with short warning times making it difficult to protect nearby communities and key infrastructure.
Volcanologists believe the Reykjanes Peninsula has entered a new long-term eruption cycle, possibly lasting years or even decades.
If an eruption occurs beneath the ocean, explosive steam-driven blasts could send ash into the atmosphere, disrupting air travel like in 2010.
With lava flows increasing and seismic activity continuing, the nation faces an uncertain future as its landscape is reshaped by unstoppable geological forces.