New eruptive phase at Iceland’s Fagradalsfjall volcano

This Copernicus Sentinel-2 image from 11 July 2023 shows the lava flows and the plume emitted by the Fagradalsfjall volcano in Iceland. The eruption began on the same day the image was acquired, following an intense seismic swarm in the region. 

The eruption site is an uninhabited valley near the Litli-Hrútur mountain, approximately 30 kilometres southwest of the capital, Reykjavik. Icelandic authorities have warned tourists and citizens, urging them to stay away from the erupting volcano due to the toxic gas emissions. 

Copernicus satellites facilitate the monitoring of volcanic activity worldwide, which is essential for taking action to mitigate the risks and hazards stemming from eruptions.