At about 3 a.m. this morning (16 August), an earthquake swarm began by Bárðarbunga volcano in NW Vatnajökull ice cap. Over 200 earthquakes have been recorded according to the Icelandic Met Office.
The largest earthquakes have magnitudes of around 3 and over. This is the most intense earthquake swarm in this area for years. Measurements indicate magma movement.
The IMO is following the situation closely and has alerted the Civil Protection Agency and aviation authorities.
Earthquake swarm by Bárðarbunga volcano
![Clusters of earthquakes measured Friday night.](https://www.visir.is/i/0269A1A41F3304186BB9E9B581FB9BAFD01AEBA225C4021E465CFF8F13A7D61F_713x0.jpg)
Tengdar fréttir
![](https://www.visir.is/i/BF9D99E3106F3506DF78C83280D1250283A38E33697B83A8CCD3588BCCC407D7_308x200.jpg)
Bardarbunga earthquake reclassified as magnitude 4.5
Seismologists at the Icelandic Meteorological Office (IMO) have reclassified the earthquake close to the Bardarbunga volcano last night.
![](https://www.visir.is/i/9CF8D2D9C9C95077D9A15E425BEEBA7B559F60181C63DB0EB27FA0B013039142_308x200.jpg)
"There is full reason to expect an eruption"
The seismic activity in Bardarbunga on the Vatnajokull glacier is very powerful and therefore full reason to expect a volcanic eruption according to a specialist at The Icelandic Meteorological Office. A live webcam has been placed in the vicinity of Bardarbunga.