Mount Fagradalsfjall Volcano Erupts In Iceland After 800 Years Of Dormancy

A helicopter flew close to Mount Fagradalsfjall as a volcano on the Reykjanes Peninsula erupted on March 19 after almost 800 years of dormancy.

While the eruption was technically a small one, rivers of lava could be seen all the way in the capital city of Reykjavik, 20 miles (30 km) away. The eruptions were also bright enough to be seen by satellites hundred of kilometers above the planet. A no-fly zone has been established in the area.

The department of emergency management said it was not anticipating evacuations because the volcano is in a remote valley 1.5 miles (2.5 km) from the road.

Signs of eruption were evident, as there had been earthquakes almost daily for three weeks leading up to the eruption. Scientists were still surprised because seismic activity quieted down right before the eruption.

Iceland is one of the most volcanically active places in the world, seeing an eruption once every five years.