Ninth Eruption at Sundhnúkur Crater Row Concludes – Updated Hazard Map Released
Updated August 5, 2025
The ninth eruption at the Sundhnúkur crater row is over. Tremors had been tapering off for some time, and the Icelandic Met Office confirmed this morning that no volcanic activity is currently being detected on the Reykjanes Peninsula.
The lava field itself hasn’t changed much in recent days, but the ground is far from stable. The Icelandic Met Office warns that sudden advances at the lava front are still possible, and collapses can release fast-moving tongues of lava with little warning — one of the more serious hazards in the eruption’s aftermath.
Satellite and Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) measurements show upward displacement beneath Svartsengi has resumed, up roughly 2 to 3 centimeters. That points to continued magma accumulation at depth. If the uplift keeps going, fresh intrusions — and potentially new eruptions — remain a real possibility.
Gas pollution from the eruption has been relatively low over the past two days, with no significant volcanic haze reported. That said, haze can linger for days after crater activity stops, so the risk hasn’t disappeared just because the eruption has.
A new hazard map has been published and will remain in effect for the coming week. It reflects the current situation: the eruption is over, but hazards tied to the newly formed lava and potential gas pollution are still very much present.
Updated Hazard Assessment as of August 1
The latest assessments highlight several dangers that haven’t gone away:
- Walking on newly solidified lava carries extreme risk — the crust can break without warning, exposing molten lava underneath.
- The edges of lava flows are especially dangerous, where fast-moving lava tongues can surge forward suddenly.
- Gas emissions near the eruption site can exceed safety thresholds at any point.
Current Eruption Status
Monitoring continues even though the eruption has officially ended. The lava field is thick and still moving in places beneath the surface. Recent analysis confirms that magma accumulation has restarted in the Svartsengi area. Uplift measurements suggest the process may have resumed, though no major changes to the lava field’s extent have been observed so far.
Idle Hazards and Ongoing Monitoring
Anyone near the area should stay alert. The edges of the lava field look deceptively solid but the crust is often thin, and the situation can shift quickly. Tourists and locals alike are being urged to keep well away from the lava margins.
Gas dispersal updates will continue on a regular basis. The Icelandic Meteorological Office publishes daily gas dispersion forecasts — worth checking if you’re in the area, particularly if conditions change and an earlier hazard map update is needed.
Conclusion
The ninth eruption at Sundhnúkur is done, but the Reykjanes Peninsula isn’t resting. Magma is still building beneath Svartsengi, lava edges remain unstable, and gas hazards can return quickly. Keep an eye on the latest forecasts and stay clear of the lava field until authorities give the all-clear.
