An outbreak has in Sundhnúksgígaröð Crater Row | started | News

16.7.2025

Updated at 5:30 p.m.

Updated map of the danger assessment due to the outbreak near Sundhnúkar

The Icelandic meteorological office has published an updated map for evaluating the danger assessment by 3:00 p.m. on July 18, unless the activity changes. The alarm level for the volcanic system remains at the highest level 3.

The danger assessment is based on the latest observations and shows the following:

• The eruptive fissure has extended and now extends further north than earlier cracks since December 2023.

• The lava flow continues, but has decreased the intensity.

• Most of the lava accumulates to the east of the fissure and is likely to fill depression in the area.

• The seismic activity has decreased considerably and now only measured a few small earthquakes per hour.

• Gas emissions and forest fires continue to contribute to pollution.

Vulkangemor and activity

The outbreak in Sundhnúksgígaröð continues, but the measurements have shown a decline in its intensity since this morning. The picture below shows the development of tremor measurements at the Seismic Station Fad north of Fagradalfjall. The lines represent the vibration strength over different frequency bands.

Strong tremors were absorbed this morning in the morning when the outbreak began, but has dropped steadily since then.

Lava extension

The following card is based on Iceye satellite observations that were recorded shortly before noon and shows the extent of the lava from this outbreak. At that time, the lava pond covered about 3.2 km².

The card also shows the estimated location of the Eruptiv fissure in Sundhnúksgígaröð around 12:00 p.m. Lava flowed from the source to the north and northeast and spread widely in Kálffellensheiði and towards Svartsengi.

The light violet color shows the new lava field, red lines mark fissures and the brown grille describes the observation area and populated areas.

Sulfur dioxide in the atmosphere

Forest fires are currently considered the greatest danger to inhabited areas, but the pollution of these fires is not determined by SOeed monitors and is not reflected in the current air quality forecast.

The following picture shows the sulfur dioxide concentrations (SO burn) via Iceland at 13:33 on July 16, 2025 according to Sentinel 5P satellite measurements. The colors show the pollution strength: light blue for low concentrations, red -brown for high concentrations.

High concentrations are measured on the Reykjanes peninsula and extend with the wind to west and southwest over the ocean.

Dangerous rating for the outbreak

In the following you will find the box for the danger assessment from the Icelandic meteorological office, which shows the current evaluation of dangers due to the outbreak near Sundhnúksgígaröð and the view of danger zones based on the current situation. The card describes both existing dangers as well as those who could develop if the activity continues.

All defined observation areas on the map are colored yellow (some dangers), but the card also shows red zones in which the greatest dangers from lava, tephra and gas pollution can occur.

The Hazard Assessment card will be updated next July 18, unless changes in activity or weather require previous measures.

The Hazard evaluation describes the dangers currently available in the region and those who could develop if the activity in the Svartsengi system continues.

For more information, see this link, including details for the implementation of the danger assessment, the methodology behind the alarm levels for volcanic systems and the data types that influence these reviews.

Updated at 12:00 p.m.

The latest observations show that the eruption is no longer limited to a single fissure. The larger fissure in the Sundhnúkur crater series is estimated at about 2.4 km long. In addition, a smaller fissure west of Fagradalfjall was opened and was estimated during an air survey by the Icelandic Meteorological Office and the Icelandic coast guard at around 500 meters.

Updated at 08:45

The seismic activity decreased in the early morning, but the lava flow continues and moves to the east both to the east and west with a larger river. Poor visibility limits the overview, especially in the West.

So -called “witch hair” was reported that he was driving in the wind. These are fine glass fibers that cool down quickly and stretch. They are very light and can cover long distances. Witches can cause skin and eye irritation, and it is recommended to take precautions outdoors near the outbreak.

High gas pollution is measured in Reykjanesbær, but decreases. The residents are recommended to stay inside, keep windows closed and switch off the ventilation systems. It is best to breathe through the nose.

This report is updated when new data is available. An updated danger card is created and will be published later today.

Updated 5:20

After southeastern winds today, gas pollution can be expected via Reykjanesbær, Vogar,Present Sand greed and Garð.

A link to the gas dispersion of IMO.

Updated at 5:05 a.m.

The eruptive fissure is approximately 700 to 1000 m long. The fissure has spread north since the outbreak.

Lava mainly flows to SE and does not approach an infrastructure.

Below you will find a screenshot from a webcamera north of Fagradalfjall and look towards SW.

Updated at 3:56

An outbreak has started. The location is southeast of Litla-Skógfell.

Updated at 3:10

The earthquake activity is more intense north of the area in which the swarm began.

The risk assessment has been updated.

Updated at 2:25

The earthquakes in the Seismian swarm mainly occur at 4 to 6 km depth. This indicates that Magma does not move to the surface at this time.

Updated at 2:11

According to seismicity and real -time -GNS data, the dike under the Sundhnúksgígar Crater series moves south rather than north.

Updated at 01:55

According to real -time data, the deformation is still low, which indicates that the seismicity is still low compared to previous events.

Updated at 01:20

Intensive seismic crush has started in the Sundhnúkur crater series and monitored data

Intensive seismic swarm has started in the Sundhnúksgígar crater series, and the monitoring of data indicates that a dike has started. The probability of an outbreak remains high, while penetration has not yet been completed.

The seismicity is located between Stóra-Skógfell and Sýlingbarfell, a similar place, as an earlier dike invading in the Sundhnúksgígar Crater Row.

The messages are updated