More than 130 earthquakes have been detected beneath a large volcano in Iceland in a possible precursor to a volcanic eruption

More than 130 earthquakes were recorded Tuesday in Greater Iceland Bardarbunga volcanoThe Icelandic Meteorological Office said this could be a possible harbinger of a volcanic eruption, among several scenarios being considered.

The Met Office said the color code for aviation over the area had been changed from green to yellow as a precaution, but the volcano’s remote location in the heart of the uninhabited highlands of southern Iceland meant infrastructure was not at risk.

The series of seismic events lasted about three hours before calming down slightly, according to the Meteorological Office He said in a statement.

“Earthquakes are still being detected in the area and it is too early to say whether the swarm will fade away,” she added.

She added that the largest earthquake recorded a magnitude of 5.1, while 17 other earthquakes with a magnitude of 3 or higher were detected, including at least two earthquakes with a magnitude of 4 or more.

The Met Office said the quakes were “consistent with increased inflation due to the accumulation of magma” under Bardarbunga.

The Met Office said: “Activity will be closely monitored but it is difficult to determine the development at this stage.”

The caldera, or cavity, of the central Bardarbunga volcano is about 25 square miles in area and is filled with ice.

It is one of six volcanic systems located beneath Europe’s largest glacier, Vatnajokull.

If a subglacial eruption occurs, there is a risk of ash eruption and subglacial flooding from under Vatnajokull.

The Met Office explained that if an eruption occurred outside the glacier, it would be a lava eruption.

“Seismic activity has increased in Bardarbunga in recent months,” she added, as Tuesday’s earthquake was the largest since the last eruption of the Bardarbunga volcano in 2014-2015, which lasted six months.

“Bardarbunga is unique because it is an unusually large volcanic system, partly covered by a glacier, and there are several possible scenarios,” the agency said. “Extensive research, along with risk assessments and emergency planning, was conducted during the 2014-2015 eruption, which will be valuable in the event of further volcanic activity.”

This eruption caused the largest flow of basalt lava in Iceland in more than 230 years, but it did not cause injuries or damage.

I have seen Iceland Seven volcanic eruptions In 2005 near the fishing village southwest of Grindavik, leading to the evacuation of the city. After the seventh eruption, people were evacuated from about 50 homes in Grindavik, according to local authorities in the country. Civil Protection Agency.

Iceland is home to 33 active volcanic systems, more than any other European country.

It lies on top of a fault between two tectonic plates, making the island nation vulnerable Earthquakes and volcanic eruptionsWhich shook parts of the country and caused population displacement in recent years.