Earthquake Activity Subsides off Reykjanes Ridge

2026-02-10 - 12:07

Seismic activity off the southwest coast of Iceland has eased following an intense earthquake swarm near Eldey on the Reykjanes Ridge, according to the country’s meteorological authorities. Hundreds of earthquakes were recorded over a 24-hour period in the area, most of them minor. A small number exceeded magnitude 3, with the largest measuring 3.4 and occurring beneath the seabed on Sunday. As reported by RÚV, no further earthquakes have been detected since midnight. What's the Story? Hundreds of earthquakes recorded over 24 hours near Eldey on the Reykjanes Ridge, with the largest measuring magnitude 3.4 No earthquakes detected after midnight, according to the Icelandic Meteorological Office Experts say the swarm is consistent with normal plate tectonic activity and shows no signs of volcanic unrest Calm returns Sigríður Magnea Óskarsdóttir, a natural hazards expert at the Icelandic Meteorological Office, said the activity appears to have come to a halt. “The tremors have slowed down significantly last night. It’s over, at least for now, but it could now pick up again.” Asked whether the pause indicated anything unusual, she downplayed its significance. “No, not much at all. Swarms are very common in this area. We had a similar one earlier this year and another one in December.” She added that sudden quiet periods are typical of seismic swarms linked to plate movements. “Yes, it just seems like it starts all of a sudden. This is probably due to plate tectonics, but we don’t see any land rise or any turbulence that suggests it’s related to any volcanic activity.” Earthquake swarms along the Reykjanes Ridge are closely monitored due to the region’s tectonic setting. Iceland Review has previously reported on similar offshore seismic events near Eldey.