A magnitude 4.1 earthquake that shook southwest Iceland just after midnight on Monday occurred on a well-known fault near Nesjavellir, according to the Icelandic Meteorological Office. The quake was widely felt across the capital area and much of southwest Iceland, but experts say it was a typical tectonic earthquake rather than a sign of renewed volcanic unrest. Original source: RÚV A magnitude 4.1 earthquake struck near Nesjavellir shortly after midnight.
Scientists say it occurred on a known fault within the Hengill volcanic system. Minor aftershocks have followed, with no indication of volcanic activity. Known fault The earthquake originated on the Nesjavellir fault, a recognised fracture within the Hengill area where seismic activity is common.
According to the Icelandic Meteorological Office, the fault has produced similar earthquakes in the past, including a magnitude 4.6 event in 1998. Natural hazards specialist Benedikt Ófeigsson told RÚV that the earthquake was caused by movement along the fault and there are no signs that magma was involved. While Hengill is an active volcanic system, he said the event is considered a tectonic earthquake rather than a precursor to an eruption.
The quake occurred at 00:36 local time, around 3.5 kilometres northeast of Skeggi in the Hengill area. It was followed by minor aftershocks, which the Meteorological Office described as limited in size. Hengill is one of Iceland’s most seismically active regions because it lies at the junction of the Reykjanes Peninsula rift and the South Iceland Seismic Zone.
Earthquakes of this kind are a regular feature of the area. The post Magnitude 4.1 Earthquake Near Nesjavellir Struck Along Known Fault appeared first on Iceland Review.
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