Reykjanes earthquakes and volcanic activity

Start with a consistent area and interval

Selecting Reykjanes limits the map and list to the region defined by the app. This is a geographical catalogue filter, not a volcanic-system boundary or hazard zone. Consult the Catalogue of Icelandic Volcanoes for descriptions of individual systems.

When comparing intervals, keep the same area, magnitude and depth limits. Allow for delayed and revised records. Counts refer to downloaded or filtered events, not every process taking place underground.

Source: Veðurstofa Íslands / Icelandic Met Office · Icelandic Met Office / University of Iceland

An earthquake is not a measurement of magma flow

The map plots earthquake locations. A pattern of points alone does not reconstruct intrusion geometry, volume or magma-flow speed. Interpreting activity requires additional observations and expert assessment.

A study by Sigmundsson and colleagues published in Science in 2024 describes the 10 November 2023 intrusion and combines different observations in a model of its formation. This historical example distinguishes intrusion from eruption; it does not describe the current state of Reykjanes.

Source: Sigmundsson et al. / Science (2024)

Connect the map, depth profile and history

The Terra Atlas profile plots catalogue depths along W–E or S–N. It is not a magma-reservoir model. The educational Magma Journey permanently labels its geometry as schematic and actual flow speeds as unknown.

1. Open Reykjanes and choose an observation interval.
2. Select an event and check its review status, UTC time and source.
3. Open the depth profile to inspect events with known focal depths.
4. Compare with a dated IMO report. The historical Grindavík lesson concerns 10 November 2023.

Source: Veðurstofa Íslands / Icelandic Met Office · Sigmundsson et al. / Science (2024)

Read the dated report, not just the point colour

Geological activity, unrest and a confirmed ongoing eruption are different statements. A weekly report covers its stated week. Open the source and check both publication date and observation period.

Consult IMO for official reports and hazard maps. Terra Atlas supports observation and education; it does not assess whether a route to a volcano is safe.

Source: Veðurstofa Íslands · Smithsonian Global Volcanism Program