Icelandic Meteorological Office (IMO) reported that an intense earthquake swarm began around noon on 30 July within the Krýsuvík-Trölladyngja volcanic system. The earthquakes were located in an area just NE of lava field in Geldingadalir, along the dike intrusion that preceded the March-September 2021 eruption. The swarm was likely caused by a magmatic intrusion at depths of 5-7 km. Earthquakes were reportedly felt in SW Iceland, in Reykjanesbær, Grindavík, the Capital region, and as far as Borgarnes. Several earthquakes were above M 3; a larger M 4 event was recorded at 1403. IMO raised the Aviation Color Code to Yellow, based on above-background seismic levels. At around 1800 the epicenters shallowed to depths of 2-5 km. By 1527 on 31 July almost 3,000 earthquakes had been detected, with four of the events larger than an M 4. A larger M 5.4 earthquake was detected at 1748. IMO reported at 1749 on 2 August that deformation models indicated magma around 1 km below the surface. The intrusion rate was close to double that recorded prior to the 2021 eruption, though by the reporting time the intrusion and seismicity rates had slowed. IMO noted that a similar pattern of events took place prior to the last eruption and stated that the likelihood of an eruption had increased. An effusive eruption began at 1315 on 3 August in Meradalir, near the border of the previous flow field N of Fagradalsfjall. Webcam video showed lava fountains rising along a 300-m-long fissure. As a result, IMO raised the Aviation Color Code to Orange at 1536. Gas-and-steam plumes rose 500-1,000 m high, but no ash was detected.

Geological Summary. Although the Fagradalsfjall fissure swarm has previously been considered a split or secondary swarm of the Krýsuvík–Trölladyngja volcanic system (https://volcano.si.edu/volcano.cfm?vn=371030), as of September 2022 Icelandic volcanologists managing the Catalogue of Icelandic Volcanoes (https://icelandicvolcanoes.is/) made the decision to identify Fagradalsfjall as a distinct separate system. The recent eruptions and related reports have been reassigned here, and other content will be prepared and adjusted as appropriate in the next few months.

Source: Icelandic Meteorological Office (IMO)