During the last weekend, approx. 200 earthquakes were detected in the Svartsengi area, most of them with magnitudes below 1.0. This level of the seismic activity is similar to the last week as about 40 to 80 earthquakes were recorded each day. Most of these earthquakes are located either between the Stóra-Skógfell and Hagafell mountains, or south the Mt. Þorbjörn.
A recent news update reported an increase in micro-seismic activity over the past few weeks in the area south of Mt. Þorbjörn and west of Grindavík. It was mentioned that magma might potentially find its way through weak rock layers in the crust, although this scenario is currently considered to be very unlikely. This interpretation is based on new geodetic modeling and other data discussed at a scientific meeting on 21 May.
The gradual increase in the seismic activity is presumably a sign of a stress release in and around the dike intrusion at the Sundhnúksgígar crater row due to increased pressure in the magma accumulation zone beneath Svartsengi.
Magma continues to accumulate beneath the Svartsengi region resulting in the ongoing uplift at a steady rate. Minor daily changes can be observed in the following graphs, but overall, the trend remains consistent. It is currently assumed that there is an increased likelihood of dike propagation and/or an eruption at the Sundhnúksgígar crater row.
Source: Icelandic Met Office volcano activity update 24 May 2024