A fiery stream of lava flowing near Iceland’s Blue Lagoon has been captured in a stunning new satellite image released by NASA. The photos, taken by NASA’s Landsat 9 satellite, show lava flowing from a fissure in the Sundhnúkur crater row on Iceland’s Reykjanes Peninsula. The eruption that created the fissure began on November 20, and this is the seventh eruption to occur in the geologically active region in less than a year, according to NASA.
The lava flowed east and west from the fissure, rather than toward the town of Grindavík. The eruption led to the evacuation of the famous Blue Lagoon resort and Grindavík’s 3,800 residents. Even though Iceland is known for its dramatic lava flows, the majority of its volcanic activity over the past 800 years has occurred in the island’s sparsely-populated north and east regions. This eruption emerged in western Iceland, which includes Reykjavik, and is much more densely populated.
The volcano in West Iceland is formed by rift activity, where the earth is tugged apart by the diverging plates of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge. This process causes lava to seep out slowly from the Earth’s mantle, instead of erupting violently from a central vent. As of November 26, 2024, the Blue Lagoon was closed to the public, but lava movement toward the spa had slowed, according to NASA. The eruption is still ongoing, but has slowed since first appearing, as reported by the Icelandic Meteorological Office.
The stunning satellite image shows the fissure glowing brighter than nearby Reykjavik in infrared light captured by NASA’s Suomi NPP satellite. Despite the concern, West Iceland’s volcano is very unlikely to erupt violently due to the rift activity formation. The lava flow has caused the evacuation of residents and the closure of the Blue Lagoon resort, creating a spectacle for onlookers and scientists alike.
In the midst of this volcanic activity, the world is reminded of the unpredictable and awe-inspiring power of nature. The ongoing eruption serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between human civilization and the forces of the natural world. As researchers and officials continue to monitor the situation, the people of Iceland and beyond remain captivated by the beauty and danger of the lava flowing near the iconic Blue Lagoon.