In a dramatic turn of events, Iceland’s famous Blue Lagoon geothermal spa has been temporarily closed following a series of earthquakes that have heightened concerns about a potential volcanic eruption. This development has significantly impacted one of Iceland’s most popular tourist attractions, located on the Reykjanes Peninsula, which is now the focal point of intense seismic activity.
The largest quake to date, a magnitude 4.8 tremor, struck the region shortly before 1 am on Thursday, jolting guests at the spa’s hotels out of their sleep. The quake, part of a wave of seismic activities beginning on October 25, has been the most potent in a series of daily tremors caused by the accumulation of volcanic magma approximately 5km underground.
Taxi driver Bjarni Stefansson recounted a scene of panic at the Retreat Hotel, where lava rocks scattered the road, and an influx of taxis congested the car park. Guests, fearing an imminent volcanic eruption, quickly vacated the area.
According to the Icelandic Met Office, the land in the vicinity of Mount Thorbjorn has risen by 9cm since October 27. While there are currently no immediate signs of an eruption, scientists are vigilantly monitoring the seismic activities for any indications that the earthquakes are moving closer to the surface, suggesting the possibility of magma breaking through the Earth’s crust.
Despite no current signs of shallowing earthquake activity, the Met Office has not ruled out the possibility of a lava-producing eruption near Thorbjorn. This scenario raises concerns given Iceland’s history of volcanic activity. The country, situated above a volcanic hotspot in the North Atlantic, experiences an average of an eruption every four to five years. The most notable in recent memory was the 2010 eruption of Eyjafjallajokull, which disrupted air travel across Europe.
The Reykjanes Peninsula, home to the Blue Lagoon, has seen three eruptions since 2021 after an 800-year dormancy. These eruptions occurred in remote areas, causing no significant damage. However, the current seismic activities suggest that the magma chamber, now refilling, could erupt near the Blue Lagoon, potentially impacting the nearby town of Grindavík, the spa itself, and geothermal pipelines providing heat to local homes.
Vulcanologist Thorvaldur Thordarson emphasized the need for preparedness, citing historical precedents where earthquakes of magnitude 5 have preceded eruptions. The Blue Lagoon management decided to close the facility temporarily, citing disruptions to guests’ experiences and prolonged stress on employees. The resort will remain closed until November 16, amid criticisms for not taking action sooner.
This seismic episode has drawn global attention to Iceland’s geological volatility and the potential implications for its iconic tourist destinations and local communities. As the situation unfolds, the country remains on high alert, with both residents and visitors keenly aware of the dynamic and powerful forces shaping Iceland’s unique landscape.
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