The Blue Lagoon, a popular bathing spot on Iceland’s Reykjanes peninsula, has been closed to visitors from today until November 16. Strong earthquakes rattled the area around midnight last night, the continuation of an earthquake swarm that began in late October. A magma intrusion is forming underground just west of the lagoon, but there are still no signs an eruption is imminent.
Reykjanes earthquakes intensify
Over 10 earthquakes over M3 were detected near the lagoon starting around midnight last night, with the strongest measuring M5, the most powerful quake since an earthquake swarm began in the area around October 24. That quake was felt as far as Selfoss, South Iceland, and Dalabyggð, West Iceland. A magma intrusion is forming 4-5 km [2.5-3.1 mi] below the surface of the peninsula, just west of the Blue Lagoon and Þorbjörn mountain. There have, however, been no signs of volcanic unrest.
Blue Lagoon criticised for staying open
A notice from the Blue Lagoon cited the disruptions to their guests’ experience last night and the prolonged strain on their employees as the main reasons for the closure. Two days ago, Reykjavík Excursions decided to suspend all transport to the lagoon citing staff and customer safety. The Blue Lagoon remained open at the time, despite criticism from the public and the Suðurnes police force.
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