The tectonic seismic swarm of Grimsey.

The Tjörnes Fracture Zone (TFZ) is home to a seismic swarm that began on February 14, 2018.

The earthquakes occur off northern Iceland, about 10-12 km northeast of Grimsey Island.

Since noon February 16, more than 1,000 earthquakes have been detected, of which 10 of magnitude greater than 3, the largest of magnitude 4.1 is dated 15.02 to 19:27. A slight decrease in the swarm was recorded yesterday.

The small population of Grimsey, 40 km from Iceland felt a few.

According to Professor Sigurjón Jónsson, one of the leading experts in the Tjörnes area, this seismic swarm, the most intense in this area since 2013, could be a sign of a larger earthquake yet to come. It is difficult to predict with certainty.

This seismic swarm follows that started on January 28, 2018, the most important shocks were recorded at magnitude 4.1 and 3.4.

GPS measurements show no detectable deformation associated with this seismic swarm; the activity therefore seems purely tectonic, although the local geothermal activity could have been a triggering factor.

No magmatic activity, the last eruption goes back according to the Global Volcanism Program in December 1867-January 1868.

Sources: IMO, RÚV, Iceland review, Th. Augustdottir.