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Iceland volcano appears, spewing lava water fountains

A volcano in southwestern Iceland emerged on Thursday, the meteorological office said, spraying redhot lava and smoke in its sixth outbreak given that December.

Research studies had actually shown lava accumulating underground, triggering cautions of new volcanic activity in the area situated simply south of Iceland's capital Reykjavik.

The most current eruption on the Reykjanes peninsula, home to some 30,000 people or nearly 8% of the country's total population, ended on June 22 after gushing fountains of molten rock for 24 days.

The eruptions show the obstacle dealt with by the island country of almost 400,000 individuals as researchers caution that the Reykjanes peninsula could deal with repetitive outbreaks for decades and even centuries.

Because 2021, there have been 9 eruptions on the peninsula, following the reactivation of geological systems that had actually been dormant for 800 years.

In action, authorities have actually built man-made barriers to redirect lava streams away from crucial facilities, including the Svartsengi geothermal power plant, heaven Lagoon outside day spa and the town of Grindavik.

Grindavik, home to one of Iceland's essential fishing ports and almost 4,000 people, has actually been mainly deserted since late last year when residents were first bought to evacuate.

Volcanic outbreaks in the Reykjanes peninsula are so-called crack eruptions, which do not normally interrupt air traffic as they do not cause big explosions or significant dispersal of ash into the stratosphere.

Iceland, which is roughly the size of the U.S. state of Kentucky, boasts more than 30 active volcanoes, making the north European island a prime location for volcano tourist - a. specific niche segment that attracts thrill hunters.

(source: Reuters)