<p>Copenhagen: A volcano in southwestern Iceland erupted on Thursday, the meteorological office said, spraying red-hot lava and smoke in its sixth outbreak since December.</p><p>Studies had shown magma accumulating underground, prompting warnings of new volcanic activity in the area located just south of Iceland's capital Reykjavik.</p><p>The most recent eruption on the Reykjanes peninsula, home to some 30,000 people or nearly 8 per cent of the country's total population, ended on June 22 after spewing fountains of molten rock for 24 days.</p><p>The eruptions show the challenge faced by the island nation of nearly 400,000 people as scientists warn that the Reykjanes peninsula could face repeated outbreaks for decades or even centuries.</p>.New Zealand signs environmental trade deal with Switzerland, Costa Rica and Iceland.<p>Since 2021, there have been nine eruptions on the peninsula, following the reactivation of geological systems that had been dormant for 800 years.</p><p>In response, authorities have constructed man-made barriers to redirect lava flows away from critical infrastructure, including the Svartsengi geothermal power plant, the Blue Lagoon outdoor spa and the town of Grindavik.</p><p>Grindavik, home to one of Iceland's key fishing ports and nearly 4,000 people, has been largely abandoned since late last year when residents were first ordered to evacuate.</p><p>Volcanic outbreaks in the Reykjanes peninsula are so-called fissure eruptions, which do not usually disrupt air traffic as they do not cause large explosions or significant dispersal of ash into the stratosphere.</p><p>Iceland, which is roughly the size of the U.S. state of Kentucky, boasts more than 30 active volcanoes, making the north European island a prime destination for volcano tourism - a niche segment that attracts thrill seekers.</p>
<p>Copenhagen: A volcano in southwestern Iceland erupted on Thursday, the meteorological office said, spraying red-hot lava and smoke in its sixth outbreak since December.</p><p>Studies had shown magma accumulating underground, prompting warnings of new volcanic activity in the area located just south of Iceland's capital Reykjavik.</p><p>The most recent eruption on the Reykjanes peninsula, home to some 30,000 people or nearly 8 per cent of the country's total population, ended on June 22 after spewing fountains of molten rock for 24 days.</p><p>The eruptions show the challenge faced by the island nation of nearly 400,000 people as scientists warn that the Reykjanes peninsula could face repeated outbreaks for decades or even centuries.</p>.New Zealand signs environmental trade deal with Switzerland, Costa Rica and Iceland.<p>Since 2021, there have been nine eruptions on the peninsula, following the reactivation of geological systems that had been dormant for 800 years.</p><p>In response, authorities have constructed man-made barriers to redirect lava flows away from critical infrastructure, including the Svartsengi geothermal power plant, the Blue Lagoon outdoor spa and the town of Grindavik.</p><p>Grindavik, home to one of Iceland's key fishing ports and nearly 4,000 people, has been largely abandoned since late last year when residents were first ordered to evacuate.</p><p>Volcanic outbreaks in the Reykjanes peninsula are so-called fissure eruptions, which do not usually disrupt air traffic as they do not cause large explosions or significant dispersal of ash into the stratosphere.</p><p>Iceland, which is roughly the size of the U.S. state of Kentucky, boasts more than 30 active volcanoes, making the north European island a prime destination for volcano tourism - a niche segment that attracts thrill seekers.</p>