Breathtaking photos show wall of lava erupting from volcano on Iceland's Reykjanes Peninsula

Hannah Osborne
·2 min read
9
A view of lava after volcano eruption located close to Sundhnukagigar from a helicopter above fissures broken in the ground and molten lava appears.
A view of lava after volcano eruption located close to Sundhnukagigar from a helicopter above fissures broken in the ground and molten lava appears.

The seismic activity on Iceland’s Reykjanes Peninsula finally erupted in spectacular fashion on Monday (Dec. 18), when after weeks of unrest, a fissure stretching 2.5 miles (4 kilometers) appeared at the surface and spewed a wall of lava up to 100 feet (30 meters) high in some places.

The initial eruption saw huge quantities of molten rock released into the surrounding landscape, with shades of orange and red filling the skies while glowing lava crept across the rocky landscape. These have been captured in incredible photos taken since the volcano erupted.

Related: Iceland volcano erupts LIVE

Lava flows have since diminished and the eruption appears to be weakening, however, there is a chance more volcanic vents will appear as the eruption continues, according to a translated statement from the Icelandic Met Office (IMO) released Tuesday (Dec. 19). "Looking back at the lead-up to the eruption reveals that there were approximately 90 minutes between the first indicators and the start of the eruption," representatives wrote. "Therefore, the warning time for new vent openings at Sundhnúk could be very short."

A drone is capturing the lava flow from the erupting volcano on the Reykjanes Peninsula, with the town of Grindavik and the lights of the famous Blue Lagoon visible in the background, in Grindavik, Iceland, on December 19, 2023.
A drone is capturing the lava flow from the erupting volcano on the Reykjanes Peninsula, with the town of Grindavik and the lights of the famous Blue Lagoon visible in the background, in Grindavik, Iceland, on December 19, 2023.
A group of people view the volcano with orange background behind them
A group of people view the volcano with orange background behind them
molten lava coming out of cracks in the ground.
molten lava coming out of cracks in the ground.
Molten lava is coming out from a fissure
Molten lava is coming out from a fissure
Lava is spewing from a volcano that erupted on Reykjanes peninsula on December 19, 2023 in Grindavik, Iceland. Four distinct burst of lava come out of the ground.
Lava is spewing from a volcano that erupted on Reykjanes peninsula on December 19, 2023 in Grindavik, Iceland. Four distinct burst of lava come out of the ground.
One massive eruption from of bright red lava coming out of a fissure.
One massive eruption from of bright red lava coming out of a fissure.
On a snowy mountain ahead, in the distance, two people stand ahead while lave spits out from the volcano in front of them.
On a snowy mountain ahead, in the distance, two people stand ahead while lave spits out from the volcano in front of them.
From a helicopter looking down at the evacuated Icelandic town of Grindavik (R) seen as smoke billow and lava is thrown into the air from a fissure during a volcanic eruption close by
From a helicopter looking down at the evacuated Icelandic town of Grindavik (R) seen as smoke billow and lava is thrown into the air from a fissure during a volcanic eruption close by
A view of the Bessastadir, four buildings in the distance with lights on, the official residence of President of Iceland as volcano spews smoke behind.
A view of the Bessastadir, four buildings in the distance with lights on, the official residence of President of Iceland as volcano spews smoke behind.
A view of lava after volcano eruption located close to Sundhnukagigar from a helicopter above fissures broken in the ground and molten lava appears.
A view of lava after volcano eruption located close to Sundhnukagigar from a helicopter above fissures broken in the ground and molten lava appears.