Blue Lagoon Shuts Down Amidst 1,000 Earthquakes in 24 Hours
Iceland's iconic Blue Lagoon, a popular tourist attraction, temporarily shuts down due to rising seismic activity in the Reykjanes Peninsula, including a series of over a thousand earthquakes
One of the main attractions that attracts visitors to Iceland is the opportunity to relax and float in its soothingly warm, milky-blue waters.
As a result of ongoing seismic activity in the vicinity, the renowned Blue Lagoon geothermal pool will be temporarily closed for a week. Situated on the Reykjanes Peninsula in southwestern Iceland, this peninsula extends westward into the North Atlantic Ocean from the capital city of Reykjavik. In addition to hosting the Blue Lagoon, the peninsula is also the location of Keflavik International, Iceland's primary airport.
Iceland, known for its active volcanic activity, is characterized by the Reykjanes Peninsula which is home to a rift valley, lava fields, and cones. According to the Icelandic Met Office, a significant number of earthquakes were recorded in a span of 24 hours leading up to midday on Thursday November 9, with an additional 800 occurring in the first 14 hours of Friday. Notably, seven of these earthquakes on Thursday were of a magnitude of four or higher, all happening on the peninsula between Eldvörp, near the airport, and Sýlingarfell, situated to the east of the Blue Lagoon.
At around 1 a.m. on Thursday, a powerful earthquake measuring 4.8 on the Richter scale struck west of Ãorbjörn, a mountain located approximately a mile south of the Blue Lagoon.
Visitors to Iceland's innovative Forest Lagoon spa can now indulge in a unique experience of being surrounded by trees.
According to a bulletin issued by the Met Office on Thursday, this is the most significant earthquake recorded since the commencement of activity on October 25th. The presence of ongoing magma accumulation suggests that seismic activity is likely to occur on the Reykjavík Peninsula due to heightened tension caused by the intrusion of magma in the region.
Tremors can be felt from as far away as Reykjavik, a spokesperson for the local tourist board told CNN.
Magma three miles down
In the past 24 hours, approximately 1,200 earthquakes were recorded, primarily occurring in the same location and at a consistent depth of approximately five kilometers (three miles) below the surface. It is expected that seismic activity will persist and fluctuate in intensity as magma continues to accumulate. Additionally, it was noted on November 8th that the uplift in the area is ongoing.
As of Friday, the area remains active, with around 800 earthquakes already detected since midnight, as reported in the 2 p.m. local time bulletin from the Icelandic Met Office. A concentrated cluster of earthquakes, referred to as a "dense swarm," began at 7 a.m., culminating in a 4.1 magnitude earthquake near Sýlingarfell shortly before 2 p.m..
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Despite this, it was emphasized that an eruption may not be imminent. The Met Office bulletin on Thursday stated, "The occurrence of larger earthquakes in the area does not automatically indicate a higher rate of magma accumulation."
In the bulletin released on Friday, it was warned that earthquakes with a magnitude of up to 5.5 "are likely to occur" as magma accumulation persists underground. However, it was noted, "Currently, there are no signs of magma reaching the surface."
An explosive recent past
The Blue Lagoon has been closed for at least a week.
Sergio Pitamitz/VWPics/Universal Images Group/Getty Images
The eruption risk on the Reykjanes Peninsula has been classified as yellow, one level higher than the rest of the country's green rating. According to Visit Reykjanes, the local tourist board, the current activity is similar to what was observed before last year's eruption of Fagradalsfjall, which is located approximately 8.5 miles southwest of the Blue Lagoon. Fagradalsfjall has been erupting annually since 2021, with the most recent eruption occurring from July 10 to August 8, 2023. During that time, hiking trails were reopened, but visitors were warned to avoid walking on the still hot lava.
"There is no conclusive way to predict the occurrence, location, or timeline of a potential volcanic eruption, or to estimate its potential magnitude," said ÃurÃður Aradóttir Braun, the manager of Visit Reykjanes, in an interview with CNN.
"The ongoing series of events bears resemblance to the build-up witnessed prior to the three previous eruptions on the Reykjanes Peninsula in 2021, 2022, and 2023, although it could also subside similar to the events observed in 2020."
"On one hand, we are experiencing a rare and remarkable natural phenomenon that may only occur once in a lifetime. On the other hand, it is a significant event in nature that is beyond our control. It is essential to acknowledge and honor this event, as volcanic activity is an inherent part of life in Iceland. Despite its challenges, Icelanders have embraced the drawbacks while benefiting from its advantages, including geothermal energy.
"We are fortunate to have a highly capable team that diligently monitors and provides timely information."
The earthquakes are situated in a relatively isolated area of Iceland, as emphasized. It was further mentioned that visitors to the peninsula might have to make adjustments to their daily plans. In the event of an eruption, alerts will be sent to all mobile phones present in the area, including those from foreign users.
The Blue Lagoons pool, spa, hotels, and restaurants will be temporarily closed starting November 9 and will reopen at 7 a.m. on November 16. This decision was made in order to prioritize the safety and wellbeing of our visitors, as stated on the website.
According to CNN, the site's spokesperson stated that the precautionary measures have been implemented to prioritize the safety and well-being of their guests and staff. They further mentioned that although the Icelandic authorities have not raised the level of uncertainty during this seismic period, full refunds will be provided to visitors with bookings. Additionally, guests with reservations up to November 15 have already been informed about the situation.
Near Mount Þorbjörn, other tour operators have also temporarily ceased their operations, as stated by the local tourist board. Moreover, access to the Elvörp geosite has been discontinued, and one road has been closed. The tourist board has announced that the closures will be reassessed on November 16.
A representative from the Icelandic Civil Protection Agency has been dispatched to Grindavik, a town located 2.5 miles south of the Blue Lagoon, as reported by the BBC. Their purpose is to make necessary arrangements for a possible evacuation if there are signs of magma rising to the surface. RÚV, the Icelandic National Broadcasting Service, has established a live feed of the region, encompassing the Blue Lagoon.
CNN has contacted the Icelandic Met Office and the Icelandic Civil Protection Agency for comment.
