Volcano Watch 2023: Massive Volcanic Eruption Begins On The Reykjanes Peninsula

On July 9, 2023, a magnitude 5.2 earthquake shook the entire country, with reports of tremors reaching as far as Ísafjörður in the Westfjords. Then, at approximately 16:40 on July 10, a new eruption began on the Reykjanes Peninsula, marking the third eruption in Fagradalsfjall in as many years. Unlike its predecessors, this eruption spans a fissure that stretches approximately 900 metres in length, significantly larger than the 150- to 250-metre fissures from 2021 and 2022. The volume of lava flowing from the eruption is estimated to be ten to twenty times greater than previous eruptions.
Before access to the area was restricted due to hazardous volcanic gases, The Reykjavík Grapevine had the opportunity to travel to the eruption site with photographer Joel Barger on assignment for Chris Burkard and Ragnhildur Ágústsdóttir, a lava ambassador and co-founder of Lava Show, to report on the current situation.
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[@dr.marykelleher4904]

As much as I miss Valur, Ragga did an awesome presentation. I am grateful (and as someone who has trained people in communication skills) and impressed by how she organized the information and emphasized the safety issues. I wish I had had clear info like that (including the map) when I came for the first eruption in 2021. Thank you!

[@tardigrade9493]

My grandmother was Norwegian, and I I love Ragga's voice, seems similar and very nicely modulated. PROFESSIONAL!

[@garrattfan]

Good job Ragga (Lady Lava, I love it) but I miss Valur and Polly

[@Pittiplatsh]

Thank you for reporting again about the new eruption. Maybe you can invite Valur and Polly as a guest for one episode, if they want? That would be awesome!

[@imsbvs]

That would be nice but I guess they would run a mile after the way they were dumped.

[@junegurney7463]

Here, here, I'll second that. 😢 Disgusting treatment.

[@gmgianluigi]

@@imsbvs I didn't know about what they went through, what exactly happened in relation to them leaving?

[@johnzuijdveld9585]

@@gmgianluigi I'd like to know as well!

[@Pittiplatsh]

Maybe inviting them would be a way for The Reykjavik Grapevine to show they left on good terms and to disprove rumors.

[@Gizathecat2]

The volcanic gasses are tricky. On LaPalma there is still a town that cannot be occupied because of the gasses. The town is intact, just uninhabitable.

[@catherinehubbard1167]

In a video from the first day, people were very near the lava, which was irresponsible. Much worse was that I heard the voice of a young child among them. There was also a dog, whose head is much closer to the ground than an adult human’s. As you say, toxic gas tends to pool near the ground. This was an excellent presentation. Thank you.

[@Erika1965]

I've been to the site in June 2021, in the end days of the first eruption. I saw the lava flow with my own eyes, impressive! Also the smell and the warmth... This eruption is even more impressive. In August we will be in Iceland again, but this time we go to the north.

[@tristanpirker8027]

Lady Lava I, my brother and sister + my nephew were .. on July 7th, 2023 in your lava show because we had already suspected that there would be no eruption until our journey home on July 9th, 2023. On Saturday we flew the helicopter over the eruption area of ​​2021 and 2022, unfortunately we were not allowed to land there. All in all, our Iceland tour was still beautiful and exciting. Unfortunately no eruption!😭😭😭😅

[@eh1702]

Very high quality and informative video - thanks! I like the Icelandic way with volcanoes, no sensationalism or yelling. PS, Just remembered it’s also done in your second or third language - yet more impressive!

[@Shinybadguy]

Thank you for sharing this with the planet! ♥

[@mikerichards6065]

Welcome back Ragga! And what a beautiful eruption - does it smell like the last one? There was a wonderful peat smoke smell at Geldingadalur from all the burning soil - almost like some Scotch whiskies. A 1km fissure is a big one, getting on for the size of the Holuhraun fissure in 2014 and that was notorious for the amount of gas it produced, I remember you could taste the fumes right across the north of Iceland and the sky was a weird colour during the day. Worth pointing out that sulfur dioxide can trigger asthmatic attacks at even very low concentrations. Definitely stay away from volcanoes if you have a history of asthma. Stay safe and keep us posted!

[@MaAllen417]

I have been intrigued with the volcano from the start of this area. It has made me do more Icelandic research and I donated to the search and rescue organization. I would love to visit one day. I miss Valdur but Thank you Lady Lava

[@bandit6048]

Ok well done Lady Lava! Great explanation of the gases and what do :) Super drone coverage too.

[@jaredpetersen7343]

Cant wait for more coverage on my home country go Iceland 🇮🇸 woot woot ❤

[@stephaniepoafpybitty3507]

Awesome report and video😃Thank you for your coverage of this eruption!

[@sparkasaurusdonna]

Very good and informative report. I appreciate the calm and clear delivery and the beautiful footage of the eruption.

[@markuserikssen]

Lady Gaga's Icelandic sister: Lady Lava Great episode again!

[@gilscot100]

Thank you for going as far as the Civil Defense would allow. Even although you did not get to the new eruption seeing the height of the black lava behind you was excellent. And the drone video from last night was fabulous.

[@OleOlson]

This explains why the airport was so overcrowded with entries. Almost missed my connecting flight because of it, but the pilot flew over the volcano, so at least I got to see a glimpse of that from the air.

[@kctaz6189]

I am very, very envious of your good fortune but I am so happy you got to see it! Wish I could. My son just missed it. He was in Iceland last month!

[@gardenmatic8178]

I Miss Valur and Polly. NEVER will be the great videos again.😢😢😢

[@cz8189]

No disrespect to the lava lady - I enjoyed her report - but I very much miss Valur and Polly !!! Please bring them back.

[@DarrenNugent-md4kd]

Good information and awesome sky shots of the immense amount of magma pouring from the fissure.😮 ❤love the show and I have a Reykjavik grapevine T-shirt which is a valued memory of the 2021 eruption. Stay safe ragga.

[@juliocean1331]

Thank You Ragga and Joel. Great commentary and drone footage. Those who break the law / disobey /disrespect Iceland and its Authorities should be heavily fined and sent packing. This eruption may still have a lot of surprises in store. Rescue Teams cannot risk their lives to save irresponsible offenders. Greetings to all at Reykjavik Grapevine and to Valur & Polly if they visit your office. Did Art also leave? 🇮🇸🌋🐬

[@markusg7576]

What happened to Valur Grettisson and Polly ? I hope they are doing well.

[@grendel_nz]

They moved on when RGV was revamped with different focus. They are doing fine apparently:)

[@imsbvs]

moved on by choice? I haven't heard such.

[@emileecitra]

Hello from INDONESIA 🙏🏻🇮🇩

[@alfrede.newman6626]

Excellent information video 👍👍👍 and also with sober warnings without blasting out drama..

[@KPW--p7oi1q]

Awesome Drone footage. Great presentation.

[@Joanzak52]

Your English is very good. Thank you for the information.

[@Karm1200]

Very much enjoyed the Lava Show when I was there in May. I learned so much.

[@sanjastajdohar6684]

Thank you for this coverage, Ragga aka Lady Lava is great

[@elizabethlascurain5294]

Although Lady Lava did a splendid job, every time I see an Icelandic volcano, I will think of Valur, Art and their volcanic Chief of Moral Officers, Polly. Miss you, guys!

[@kctaz6189]

I was just thinking about Polly! I miss her, too, oh, and her owner, as well. 😇🥰

[@deloresmonteiro2342]

Been following this on Isak Finnbogason's livestream. Sure miss Valur and Polly.

[@Alishia07]

Thank you

[@jonathanleonard1152]

Nice cut from the Grey Havens to Mordor!

[@phil2u48]

Great video footage ! I had only seen portions of the eruption, although I had read that the trench was quite long. This gives one a clearer idea of the extent of the activity. I live in the USA, but have visited Iceland; I loved the land and the people, and yes, the fire and the ice.

[@samfrancis1394]

informative and great volcano footage!

[@SkyeRangerNick]

It really is quite stunning. So fast this time.

[@shayneramsay1388]

Thank you Ragga for reporting the new eruption for everyone in the area please stay safe

[@haven_lady675]

Oh my gosh that beach in Iceland looks awesome. I bet the temperature there is just right 😌

[@susangreif9869]

Ten times larger amount of lava! Lavy Lady that was a good presentation. Valdur and Polly, we miss your voice and frisbee. Hope your lives are moving in a positive direction.

[@Seafariireland]

Rama, what a wonderful presentation, almost perfect English and so clearly and accurately spoken with care and precision and my,my, so pretty as well! SkipRay, Kerry, Ireland.😊

[@renater.540]

Thank you for this informative fact-based update. I really appreciate your way of presenting information and I'm looking forward to further ones.

[@Mar-up7db]

Where is Valur??

[@samsmith2635]

Valur, you are missed

[@mehere6865]

Wow! I am so excited about this volcano The fissure is a stunning sight. I look forward to many updates and I will be checking in daily.

[@gregO00O]

thank you

[@kctaz6189]

Thanks to all of you covering this. We do so appreciate seeing what is happening. I know I've been mesmerized by your volcano activity since it first started some time ago. These are, again, awesome sights. I do hope you can get to them. Maybe purchase some gas masks? Stay safe.

[@quietone748]

Joel's footage is nice, I miss Art's footage. :(

[@condrumnumberone9456]

I suspect it was Art shooting Ragga.

[@emilyflotilla931]

Thanks for your update. I hear because it's such a huge one, it may slow down faster than the other ones.

[@laurawoodford1225]

Thanks enjoy all the updates!

[@zapfanzapfan]

Here we go again! Where is the dude with the dog? Edit: Awesome drone footage of the lava!

[@Merv-Bob]

No; sulfur dioxide is ~twice as dense as air. Here listed in increasing density: Air 1.293 kg m-3, Carbon Dioxide 1.977 kg m-3 and Sulfur Dioxide 2.629 kg m-3. However this seems counterintuitive as you watch the plume of smoke rise from the volcanic vent. This is due to two things: water vapor and heat. Water vapor is less dense than dry air and adds to the bouncy of volcanic gases and volcanic gases are hot which also contributes to their bouncy. Weather conditions (particularly wind) are also a major factor on how or if volcanic gas disperse or stagnate and accumulate as Ms Ágústsdóttir describes, so heed her warning and be safe. Cheers.

[@Invading-Specious]

Thank you🌇

[@rokurussell9862]

Thanks for your coverage. Geldingadalir was almost tame compared to this!

[@crimpinurpimpin]

Dunno about tame, that thing was lobbing tsunamis of lava and spewing it hundreds of feet into the air before it stopped erupting. Can’t wait to see what this turns into though. Iceland is such an amazing island.

[@suekanoho]

Appreciate your information and warning for anyone wanting to go.

[@tgill2943]

Let's face it. The volcano is the star! I appreciate the coverage by Ragga. And I miss Valur and Polly and Art. Still the Volcano in Iceland! I am trying to suppress my glee.

[@DavidIrthum]

Thank you for this valuable information.

[@sharonrozier4984]

WOW! The creature is extensive and active! A great dragon indeed!

[@Callithyia]

Ragga is awesome! We are also missing Valur and Póly. It was such a fun tradition for us to watch them report from the field. Could you ask them to join Ragga sometime?

[@borriborer]

Molecular weight of sulfur dioxide (64)is more than the weight of air (29). SO2 should settle to the ground like the CO2 does.

[@jronkowski4346]

Very informative thanks

[@nobaloneymahoney7940]

I left a Comment on. Dutchsinse Channel telling about your channel 😘 you two are IT for real news

[@infinitewisdom9619]

Great video, thank you.

[@KarinMurati]

Hallo Ragga, you did a great job again. 💯%. 🌋🌋🌋🔥Thank you very much.What happend with Valur & Polly?? I miss them. Greetings from Germany

[@vivianvaldi7871]

I'm sure we can stop this atrocity right now. Let's drop water from air tankers and shut this earth bleeding for good. Be brave Islanders, get your cups & mugs out.

[@Mar-up7db]

LOL

[@kevinbartlett1017]

Excellent reporting

[@davidlewis6015]

Great segment 😊

[@66kbm]

"Massive"? "Massive"? Its a rift eruption. Stop click baiting people.

[@jamesv9221]

Very informative.

[@johnheigis83]

Yo, Outstanding. Thanks

[@josephtaylor5909]

Volcanoes are a strong fierce natural reminder in my mind that mother nature is always in control and it holds the timeframe for when it wants to cleanse land and all upon it. Some of the most beautiful countries have been made or terraformed by volcanos and all those still always have a time clock literally and we humans are at there mercy every single day.

[@TorbjornCarlson-iq3sx]

SO2 is heavier than CO2 and air, the other things about the gases are correct.

[@WhiteTiger333]

Whose bicycle was that? 🙂 Thank you for the fantastic and informative dialog and awesome drone shots. That drone work really illustrated just how impressive the long "rip" at the outset was. Wow! And I can only imagine the gas buildup when it first broke through. I'm reading that, a day later, it's settling into a crater, and access is open. It's sure going to be a long hike, though. Maybe the outdoor gear stores there will sell a lot of sturdy boots and trekking poles for the unprepared.

[@jforce91]

I kinda want one of those rucked up slabs of pahoehoe lava from the old eruption.. they look like abstract pieces of art!!

[@zsuzsicseh3369]

great reporting, all involved!! scary exciting ... excitingly scary? be safe!

[@amyinboulder]

Thank you for the update. Would you be able to report on Keflavik Airport's closures if they occur?

[@peldridge2627]

Ragga, Thank you for your excellent reports and the videographer's work. I appreciate your reporting and the video. However, I just have to comment about all the posts saying this "isn't the same without Valur and Polly," and how much people miss seeing them. Of course this isn't the same - Valur has his own presentation and Ragga has her own presentation! Plus I would not want to see Polly running around in all that jagged lava cutting up her paws. Regardless, the news would be the same either way, and the news and information about this new eruption is what is important now in this early stage of eruption. Ragga, please keep reporting the news and I'll keep watching!

[@mrssibelius]

It is absolutely beautiful! Is it moving closer to Reykjavik than before?

[@HotelPapa100]

Yes and no. The eruption site is closer. The flow is still towards the other coast.

[@briangreen4219]

Great coverage of the Volcano, amazing reporting but where is your Chief Moral Officer Polly? Can Polly perhaps join you next time?

[@annetteenzoulis4870]

She is Valur's dog and wouldn't go there without him! I miss them too. They were much more fun to watch and listen to.

[@tonquinb]

I miss Valir and poly...this chanel is not the same

[@amfwelsh]

Totally agree

[@tg4941]

Me too.

[@bobv7753]

So miss them & Josie Ann. Just not the same without them.

[@mapleleaf902]

I agree!

[@TKCTSTN]

And don't forget Polly.

[@aFoundingYouTuber]

8:17 That shot looks like a CGI set depicting Darth Vader's secret hideout. Until seeing that I didn't think such places existed, such was only the stuff of Hollywood fantasy films.

[@AntonBerg-pz8ip]

Suggesting a new law: When emergency services warn against entering an area, those who are entering the area have by entering, stated that they are aware that there will be no rescue. Those calling for rescue will have to pay all of the costs related to the rescue.

[@taleandclawrock2606]

Sorry to hear in comments that Valdur and Polly no longer onstaff, Art the camera man? I used to love their reports and followed each one during previous eruption.

[@testingthecat8285]

One question - is it still following the trail of the last eruption???? If so the main southern highway is at risk.

[@JomikJomikJomik]

Amazing and terrifying!

[@TheMusicHeals.kjhjhhg]

5.5 miles? that is not much of a hike. beautiful shots

[@arleneclegg4385]

If that one went how many will go off ❤

[@lauriferreira3516]

Thank Lady Lava👍👍🙌🙌🙏🙏🔥🔥🔥👁️👁️

[@sharonm1224]

Ragga, please remind people not to bring children or pets near the volcano gases, because they are closer to the ground and therefore, more in danger from CO2.

[@igotmeonthis]

If course i am thinking it is cold there lol

[@kevinwebster7868]

The area is closed yet on a live stream I just counted 47 people with their phones and drones taking selfies and having picnics and no they aren’t scientists or officials. It may be closed but nothing is being done to stop people from going there.

[@UmaAuroville]

🙏

[@om3japan]

Why is it completely dark, if in Iceland now is all day daylight? Is it because it is zoomed?

[@lnwolf41]

Excellent video😊, will they try to redirect the lava flow again??

[@kctaz6189]

I wonder. As I recall, that didn't work out so well the last time they tried it.

[@Cyklonus]

👍👍

[@deannelson9565]

This channel is completely Hollow without Valur and Polly!!!!!

[@catpurrson3651]

What become of them?

[@ninja2kernow]

Ahh more volcano watch ,cool.

[@mikeslayer5926]

nice report , no one else mentions all the sulfur dioxides , ...forgive my saying , but,..are you certain your mask filters are rated for it I realize im in the usa and your in iceland and manufacturers are different,...you may want to check good luck Mike

[@charleskendall6401]

Maybe they will allow people to view from up on the nearest hill

[@aaronoshea3453]

Go Ragga! 🫶