Why Iceland’s Latest Volcanic Eruption Looks So Different | WSJ

A volcano in southwest Iceland erupted after weeks of intense earthquake activity and the evacuation of thousands from the area. The Reykjanes Peninsula is experiencing a fissure eruption instead of an explosive eruption, where lava is basically oozing from cracks in the ground. This runny magma can severely damage infrastructure as it can widely spread across the landscape.

WSJ explains the science of fissure eruptions and the particular dangers they pose to the Reykjanes Peninsula in Iceland.

Photo: Civil Protection of Iceland/Reuters

Chapters:
0:00 Situation in Iceland
0:28 Explosive vs. fissure eruptions
2:05 Iceland’s volcanic history
3:25 What’s next?

News Explainers
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#Iceland #Volcano #WSJ

[stonew]

We here on the Big Island of Hawaii can relate. It's the same kind of eruption we experienced back in 2018, when Kilauea's Lower East Rift Zone erupted and massive amounts of lava destroyed hundreds of homes and covered hundreds of square miles of lower Puna district, even adding quite a bit of land mass to the island as the lava solidified when it hit the ocean and expanded into it.

[Marylandbrony]

Quick somebody recreate the light saber battle between Obi-Wan and Darth Vader from Revenge of the Sith right now!

[cydkriletich]

I have known only a few people from Iceland, and they were lovely, thoughtful people, proud of their unique country and heritage. My deepest hope for the Icelanders is that these eruptions do not destroy their homes and businesses, and that no one is injured or killed from an eruption. I’m so sorry this is happening, especially now, so close to Christmas. Here’s hoping that once the current eruptions subside, things quiet down for them for a long time to come. 💞💞

[bramsrockhopper]

Not a bad summary, but you missed out Iceland’s most important geological feature - it’s sitting on top of a hot spot, a mantle plume. It’s the reason that Iceland exists and the sea floor spreading ridge there isn’t just on the seafloor…That means it has a much larger potential volume of magma primed and ready.

This has a lot of potential to get a lot worse, basically.

Fingers crossed for the good people of Iceland,

[bjarkifreyrbjarnason]

The power plant doesn't just "produce hot water for the area" but electricity for around 30.000 people.

[tmtwtub]

This answered my questions so well. Thank you.

[JelMain]

Well, for starters, this eruption isn't at the tip of the peninsula, but near enough in the middle, slightly east of the power plant. This one started about 3km long, and extended, mostly to the south, along a previous eruption line.

[butterflywatch]

Greeting from USA. I hope all those people up there in Iceland are safe, and there's not much property damage.

[pyroman]

I never expected Harry Potter would grow up to be a volcanologist.

[michaelgarrity]

I hope that for the sake of those who live in this region, this cycle of eruptions don't threaten the places they live.

[dresib]

A very good explanation and a nice antidote to the alarmist reporting on this eruption we see in a lot of foreign media.

[jpjh]

It literally looks different because this is an on land version of what has been happening along the Mid-Atlantic Ridge for as long back in the Earths 4.5 Billion years as we can record.

[PuddinPie]

As a geologist it’s disappointing to see so much incorrect information in this video.

[nonsibi]

In my early 20's, I lived in Iceland a year, but thought seriously about staying. I assiduously studied the language, made progress, and discovered how deeply connected to me my Icelandic friends became. My thoughts are and hopes are with them in these concerning times. Given a choice, I will return to Iceland.

[interesting]

There are so many Volcanoes on Earth. Why not stick a Pipe on its side at the top area first and keep inserting more pipes going towards the bottom, where heat is pushed into the pipe. Volcano does not yell at you and erupt !

[JS-wgpx]

The plates do not slip past one another here - they are separating.

[sueelliott]

Holding thumbs nere in New Zealand, hope ours don't erupt any time soon. My heart goes out to Islandic people as they are awesome. I have met quite a few.

[JohnMcMahon.]

Thanks for this. Quick and informative. 😊

[cantrell]

Iceland is also sitting atop a hot spot in the mantle which increases volcanic activity

[deemisquadis]

It's different because it is a Fissure. Not volcano. The earth is cracking and it is full of molting rock.