The first part of the long-term risk assessment for lava flows on the Reykjanes Peninsula has been published.
Two reports on long-term risk assessments for lava flows on the Reykjavik Peninsula were published today, as part of the Icelandic Meteorological Office's extensive project to assess the comprehensive volcanic risk on the entire Reykjavik Peninsula.
A total of four reports have been published in the project, which began in early 2024 and is due to be completed in 2027. This year, four more reports on fissure hazard, two more reports on lava hazard and one report on earthquake hazard will be added. Reports on pyroclastic flows, gas pollution and groundwater pollution will follow next year. Compiling a volcanic hazard assessment in one project for an area with seven volcanic systems, sixteen municipalities and a number of important infrastructure is a large-scale undertaking and is truly unique on a global scale.
A long-term risk assessment for lava flows indicates which areas are potential sources of eruptions and which areas could be exposed to lava flows based on the region's volcanic history. The main goal of the assessment is to reduce damage with an emphasis on infrastructure, and the results are an important input into urban and land use planning.
The report provides detailed information about the areas exposed to lava hazards and the results are useful for those involved in urban planning, operators of critical infrastructure and response teams, including through updates to response plans.
The results in the reports support what was already known and do not revolutionize knowledge of where lava hazards lie for settlements and infrastructure in the capital area. The results of a long-term risk assessment do not answer what is considered an "acceptable risk" in terms of living or operating in the area, but they do provide the basis for such dialogue and decision-making and will be an important tool in the hands of local governments in the area for future urban planning and economic activity.
In parallel with the publication of the reports, The Icelandic Meteorological Office has launched a website and interactive map viewer. where you can view the results and content of the reports in more detail.
The reports and further information can be found here, at almanvarnir.is.
See also: Summary and reports | Icelandic Meteorological Office