From Keilir, it is 7.4 km / 4.6 mi in a straight line to the eruption in Fagradalsfjall, which started on 19 March. In the last few days, the eruption has largely subsided. Four days ago, a series of earthquakes began at Mt. Keilir. Since then, seven quakes larger than 3 on the Richter scale have shaken the ground. Earthquakes of that magnitude can be found in the capital area, but the overall number of quakes is more than a thousand. Geoscientists are unsure whether the cause of the earthquakes is due to the movement of the tectonic plates or if the magma from Fagradalsfjall is finding a new eruption site.
If an eruption begins at Keilir, the lava flows north and could soon flow over the road to Keflavík and into the sea. But the road connects Iceland to the International Airport in Keflavík and the towns west of Reykjanes.
Reykjanes 30/09/2021 15:14 – A7R IV: FE 1.2 / 50 GM
Photo and text: Páll Stefánsson
