Hold onto your heat-resistant suits, folks, because Mother Earth has just unveiled her latest masterpiece – a brand-new baby volcano! This incredible beauty emerged through a fresh volcanic fissure on Iceland’s Reykjanes peninsula. Here’s what we know so far.
Iceland Gives The World A New “Baby Volcano”
That day when I met the baby volcano! Remember, sharing is caring!#iceland #volcano #volcanos #dji pic.twitter.com/2YAKe2xHEV
— Bjorn Steinbekk (@BSteinbekk) February 21, 2023
For the third consecutive year, the Fagradalsfjall lava field has erupted, and this time it happened on June 10 in Iceland. The eruption followed several days of seismic activity, with over 7,000 earthquakes recorded in the region since July 4. The largest of these quakes, measuring a magnitude of 4.8, was reported by the Icelandic Met Office, reported LiveScience.
Lava is still trickling from the 1.7-mile-long (2.7 kilometres) fracture, gracefully flowing into a small valley to the southeast. There’s a possibility that it may soon overflow, but it’s not a cause for concern. The surrounding area is uninhabited, and there’s no threat to any infrastructure, stated the report.
Iceland’s recent eruption wasn’t entirely unexpected. Litli-Hrútur, or “Little Ram,” is connected to the Fagradalsfjall volcanic area, which previously erupted in March 2021. And in August 2022 after an 800-year hiatus, reported BBC.
Also Read: Looking For An Adventure? Dive Into This 700-Ft Icelandic Volcano For An Epic Adrenaline Rush!
Here’s What You Need To Know
baby volcano in Iceland~ pic.twitter.com/wDtwl8Ce5i
— 𝖇𝖔𝖓𝖇𝖎 (@_bonbi) June 6, 2021
The reports also stated that the surrounding region had been experiencing continuous shaking for several days. With over 12,000 earthquakes recorded before the eruption began. While initially the volcano and its area were deemed dangerous due to the gases it released, this has now changed.
The local fire service employed helicopters to drop two-tonne batches of water directly on the fires. And also provided water tanks for ground-level firefighting. Gradually, they managed to bring the fires under control as the winds shifted to a more north-westerly direction. On July 17, a path was opened, and visitors started arriving to witness this rare event up close, said the BBC report.
As per the report, access to the volcano varies daily based on local conditions. Authorities provide daily updates after assessing the site’s suitability for visitors. Currently, visitors are allowed to visit the site, with a dedicated car park (P2) available. From there, a 9 km mostly flat hike or cycle leads to a large viewing area.
The trail is open from 09:00 am to 6:00 pm, requiring at least five to six hours for the round trip. Proper hiking shoes, clothing, and water are essential for this physically demanding hike as no facilities are available on-site. But fret not, Search & Rescue teams are ready for emergencies, said BBC in its report.
Also Read: An Active Volcano Covered With A Million Eggs Discovered Underwater By Researchers
So, calling out to all adventure junkies who want to experience this newest addition to Mother Earth, first-hand! What are you waiting for?
Cover image courtesy:@_bonbi on Twitter