Maps and Exploration

2023–2025 Sundhnúkur eruptions

The 2023–2025 Sundhnúkur eruptions (Icelandic: Eldgosin við Sundhnúksgíga 2023–2025) are a series of volcanic eruptions on the Reykjanes Peninsula, near the town of Grindavík, Iceland. Nine eruptions have occurred since December 2023, with the most recent taking place in August 2025. The seismic and volcanic activity caused significant disruption across the western part of the peninsula, especially for the town of Grindavík. However, the Capital Region, including Reykjavík, has remained physically unaffected. Volcanic activity began with an intense earthquake swarm in the Eldvörp–Svartsengi volcanic system on 24 October 2023, caused by a magmatic intrusion underneath the area. The frequency and intensity of the earthquakes dramatically increased on 10 November 2023, with around 20,000 tremors recorded by that time, the largest of which exceeded magnitude 5.3. Grindavík was evacuated due to the creation of large-scale subsidence, including the formation of an extensive graben valley, which caused significant damage. This extensional tectonic activity likely altered magma pathways and triggered subsequent eruptions. The volcanic eruption series at the Sundhnúksgígar crater chain began on 18 December 2023, with an initial eruption that lasted for three days. This eruption was preceded by land uplift in the Svartsengi area, which subsequently deflated upon eruption, indicating the accumulation of magma at a depth of 4–5 km (2.5–3.1 mi) beneath Svartsengi. This magma source fed the initial eruption as well as all subsequent eruptions in the series. The second eruption occurred on 14 January 2024, lasting approximately two days. During this event, a fissure opened less than 100 m (330 ft) from the nearby town of Grindavík. The eruption breached anti-lava defences and destroyed three homes. Additionally, the eruption formed a new graben, although it was substantially less extensive than the one formed in November 2023. Tragically, just before this eruption, one person was reported missing and presumed to have fallen into a crack caused by seismic activity, resulting in their death. On 8 February 2024, the third eruption caused extensive damage, including the disruption of a hot-water pipeline from the Svartsengi power station.

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See also

• ▸Antarctica during World War II
• ▸Galway
• ▸Alexander Dalrymple

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