Magma Levels Near Peak Beneath Svartsengi

2026-03-04 - 10:35

Scientists monitoring volcanic activity on Iceland’s Reykjanes Peninsula say magma beneath the Svartsengi area is approaching the highest level recorded between eruptions since the current eruption sequence began in late 2023. According to a new hazard assessment from the Icelandic Meteorological Office, magma has been accumulating beneath Svartsengi for around 210 days. If the current trend continues, the volume is expected to become the largest observed between eruptions since activity in the area began in December 2023. What's the Story? Around 22.5 million cubic metres of magma accumulated beneath Svartsengi since the last eruption in July 2024 About 210 days of magma build-up recorded by the Icelandic Meteorological Office since the previous eruption Most likely scenario still identified as magma flow and possible eruption at the Sundhnúkur crater row on the Reykjanes Peninsula A volcanic eruption on the Reykjanes peninsula. Photo: Art Bicnick. Iceland Review Volcano monitoring update As reported by RÚV, the assessment indicates that the influx of magma remains steady, with similar rates recorded over the past several weeks. Since the most recent eruption in July last year, approximately 22.5 million cubic metres of magma have accumulated underground. Officials say the prolonged build-up and the large volume of magma require further evaluation of possible volcanic developments. The meteorological office is currently reviewing several scenarios for how the activity could progress and plans to present updated assessments in the coming weeks. Despite the extended pause in eruptions, authorities note that a lull does not necessarily mean the volcanic episode has ended. Current models still indicate that the most likely outcome would involve magma moving towards the Sundhnúkur crater series, potentially resulting in another eruption. Background reporting on recent volcanic activity in the region can be found in this Iceland Review coverage of the Reykjanes eruptions.