Iceland Volcano Eruption
Iceland Volcano Eruption – July 2025 Update
A dramatic volcanic eruption struck Iceland’s Reykjanes Peninsula early on July 16, 2025, marking the 12th eruption in the region since 2021. Here's a breakdown of the latest developments:
Key Details of the Eruption
Location: Sundhnúkur crater row, Reykjanes Peninsula, southwest of Reykjavik
Time: Began around 4 a.m. local time following an intense earthquake swarm
Type: Fissure eruption — lava is emerging from a crack in the Earth’s crust rather than a central crater
Fissure Size: Estimated between 700 meters and 1.5 miles long
Evacuations and Safety Measures
Blue Lagoon Spa: Tourists and staff were evacuated from this iconic geothermal resort
Grindavík Town: Residents and campers were also evacuated; the town has faced repeated volcanic threats since 2023
Air Travel: No disruption reported at Keflavík International Airport; flights are operating normally.
Environmental Impact
Gas Pollution: Elevated levels of sulfur dioxide reported in Reykjanesbær; authorities warn of “witches’ hairs” — tiny glass fibers that can irritate skin and eyes
Visuals: Aerial footage shows lava blasting like a wall of fire across the barren landscape
Geological Context
Iceland sits atop the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, where tectonic plates diverge, making it one of the most volcanically active regions in the world
The Reykjanes Peninsula had been dormant for 800 years before reawakening in 2021
Experts warn this could be part of a decades-long volcanic cycle.