The seismic activity on Iceland’s Reykjanes Peninsula finally erupted in spectacular fashion on Monday (Dec. 18), when after weeks of unrest, a fissure stretching 2.5 miles (4 kilometers) appeared at the surface and spewed a wall of lava up to 100 feet (30 meters) high in some places.
The initial eruption saw huge quantities of molten rock released into the surrounding landscape, with shades of orange and red filling the skies while glowing lava crept across the rocky landscape. These have been captured in incredible photos taken since the volcano erupted.
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Lava flows have since diminished and the eruption appears to be weakening, however, there is a chance more volcanic vents will appear as the eruption continues, according to a translated statement from the Icelandic Met Office (IMO) released Tuesday (Dec. 19). “Looking back at the lead-up to the eruption reveals that there were approximately 90 minutes between the first indicators and the start of the eruption,” representatives wrote. “Therefore, the warning time for new vent openings at Sundhnúk could be very short.”