A volcanic eruption near Iceland’s capital late on Wednesday was caused by a 'very rapid progression of events' and was the seventh since December. The eruption sent fountains of lava and smoke into the airport, although there were no disruptions to air traffic or major infrastructure. There had been little warning compared to previous eruptions in the Reykjanes Peninsula, Rikke Pedersen, leader of the Nordic Volcanological Centre at the University of Iceland, said, although preparations were in place. The first signs of an eruption were recorded just 45 minutes before a massive ground fissure, now estimated to be about 3km (1.9 miles) long, was opened by magma forcing its way through the Earth's crust, Iceland's meteorological office said

Source: The Guardian November 21, 2024 23:39 UTC