Iceland's New Eruption Picks Up the Pace

Two new fissures have opened near Geldingadalir and these new eruption could be a sign of things to come in Iceland.

Rocky Planet iconRocky Planet
By Erik Klemetti
Apr 7, 2021 6:45 PMApr 7, 2021 7:03 PM
The new fissure at Geldingadalir
The second fissure that opened during the Geldingadalir eruption in Iceland, seen on April 5, 2021. Credit: Icelandic Meteorological Office.

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A few weeks ago, the Reykjanes Peninsula saw its first eruption on land in centuries. The new eruption at Geldingadalir continues to produce an impressive cone and snaking lava flows but the eruption wasn't done there. New vents have now opened northeast of the original, bringing the total to three spots where lava is spilling out. These eruptions still don't pose any danger to Reykjavík beyond potential irritation due to the gases being emitted, but they have produced some of the biggest volcanic tourist draws in decades (for better or worse).

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