A new volcanic eruption has occurred in Iceland near the Reykjanes Peninsula, providing filmmakers with an opportunity to capture breathtaking aerial footage of the flowing lava.
Over the past week, there has been an increase in seismic activity in the area, leading to this eruption.
According to the Icelandic Meteorological Office, around 300 earthquakes, mostly of low magnitude, have been recorded since the eruption began on July 10th. However, there were two slightly larger earthquakes measuring 2.0 and 2.1 in magnitude.
On July 11th, a fissure eruption resulting in the formation of lava broke through near Litli-Hrútur mountain.
Fortunately, this eruption occurred in an uninhabited area, posing no threat to any infrastructure. Although seismic activity has been decreasing steadily since Tuesday, a period of intense lava flow occurred, providing a visually stunning display for filmmakers.
Unlike some eruptions that produce volcanic ash, this particular eruption did not generate much ash.
As a result, the area surrounding the flowing lava was relatively clear, allowing for the capture of beautiful aerial footage. However, filmmakers still had to be cautious of dangerous gas emissions.
Drone pilot Isak Finnbogason managed to capture breathtaking shots of the eruption from above. Although the video shown above is a snippet from a longer live stream, it offers a glimpse into the most active phase of the eruption.
It turns out that Isak Finnbogason was not the only filmmaker in the area.
Photographer Chris Burkard and his assistant Joel Barger happened to be in Iceland for the opening of a gallery in Reykjavik.
While Burkard spent time with his family on the other side of the island, Barger rushed to the eruption site and flew his drone to document the event.
According to Barger, they embarked on a nine-kilometer hike as the road to the volcano was closed. Despite the dense fog, the visual spectacle of the glowing lava became increasingly prominent with each step they took.
However, due to the potential hazards of the gas emissions, they had to be wary and follow the instructions of ISAR to vacate the area when necessary.
Barger describes the fissure as being over a kilometer long, much larger than the eruptions he witnessed the previous year.
He details the mesmerizing experience of being in close proximity to an active volcano and the sense of awe it evoked in him.
As of now, the Icelandic Meteorological Office has announced that there is a balance between the inflow and outflow of magma in the eruption, and seismic activities have significantly decreased.
However, the eruption is still ongoing, resulting in volcanic gas pollution and smoke from burning vegetation.