Iceland's volcano eruptions may last decades

Researchers predict that Iceland's ongoing volcanic eruptions on the Reykjanes Peninsula could last for years to decades based on seismic and geochemical data. The eruptions, which have led to a state of emergency, pose a threat to the densely populated region, including critical infrastructure like the country's main airport and geothermal power plants. The recent eruption in May triggered evacuations from popular tourist spots like the Blue Lagoon. Scientists studying the volcanoes over the past three years have identified shared magma storage below the peninsula, indicating a potential long-lasting volcanic episode. The research, published in the journal Terra Nova, involved international collaborations and isotopic analysis to understand the magma sources. While the eruptions provide a unique opportunity for scientific study, the unpredictability of nature makes it challenging to forecast the duration and frequency of future eruptions accurately. Plans are underway to safely drill into the volcanic sites to gain further insights into the geological processes driving the eruptions.