Earthquake swarm in Torfajökull volcano

Today (30. July 2023) an earthquake swarm took place in Torfajökull volcano. This volcano is located north of Katla volcano (Mýrdalsjökull glacier). This area has had regular earthquake swarms over the year. Why is not clear. There is no clear signal of magma movement in this area. Torfajökull erupts highly Felsic magma that’s mostly explosive and some type of magma that can flow as a lava flow (maybe in later stage of an eruption, I don’t know for sure).

Green star north of Katla volcano (Mýrdalsjökull glacier) and in Torfajökull volcano caldera rim to the north. Time on map is 30. July 2023 at 19:40 (Iceland time)
Earthquake activity in Torfajökull volcano. Copyright of this image belongs to Icelandic Met Office.

The largest earthquake in this swarm had a magnitude of Mw3,2. It was felt in nearby tourist areas and caused few rock slides. Icelandic Met Office is still warning against rock slides because of this earthquakes close to the earthquake swarm location. There is a ongoing risk of more stronger earthquakes in this area of the volcano at the writing of this article.

Eruption at Litli-Hrútur might end in two weeks

Rúv News and Earth Science at University of Iceland is reporting that the eruption in Fagradalsfjall at Litli-Hrútur might end in one or two weeks time. This is based on how much the lava flow from the crater is currently decreasing. This would also be mostly in line with the eruption in Meradalir valley in 2021, that lasted for two weeks. This eruption has been slightly longer than that eruption, since it has been slightly larger in volume of magma erupting.

Icelandic reporting on this

Eru goslok handan við hornið? (Rúv.is, Icelandic)
Facebook post reporting on the details of the eruption for 29. July 2023 (Facebook, Icelandic, Possible English)