Moderate Earthquakes Recorded Under Iceland's Vatnajökull Glacier

Seismic Activity Beneath Vatnajökull Confirmed

On December 6, 2025, two moderate earthquakes were recorded beneath Vatnajökull, Iceland's largest ice cap. The tremors occurred in an area located east of Hamrin, a region known for its geological activity. The first earthquake registered a magnitude of 3.1, followed shortly by a second, slightly stronger event measuring 3.3 on the Richter scale. Both events were detected around 10:10 AM local time.

The seismic activity was confirmed by the Icelandic Met Office (IMO). Jarþrúður Ósk Jóhannesdóttir, a natural hazard specialist at the IMO, stated that such tremors are not unusual for the area.

Vatnajökull: A Geologically Active Zone

Vatnajökull, which is also Europe's second-largest ice cap, is situated over one of Iceland's most active volcanic zones. This makes frequent seismic activity a regular occurrence as part of ongoing geological processes. Iceland itself lies on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, where tectonic plates meet and shift, contributing to the country's high level of seismic and volcanic events.

While these recent earthquakes were strong enough to be registered by monitoring networks, experts indicate they were generally too small to be felt by people living far from the immediate area.

No Indication of Increased Volcanic Risk

Despite the tremors, the Icelandic Met Office has found no indication of any significant change within the volcanic system beneath Vatnajökull. Jarþrúður Ósk Jóhannesdóttir emphasized that the earthquakes do not necessarily signify anything unusual.

The region has experienced similar seismic events in the past, with a comparable earthquake of magnitude 3.1 recorded in the same area on September 11. Authorities will continue routine monitoring of the area, but no disruption or increased risk has been reported following these latest events.