More than 130 earthquakes have been detected under a large volcano in Iceland that may be a precursor to an eruption

More than 130 earthquakes were registered on Tuesday in the large area of ​​Iceland Bardarbunga volcanowhich could be a precursor to an eruption among several scenarios, the Icelandic meteorological office said.

The aircraft’s color code for the area has been changed from blue to yellow as a precaution, the joint office said, but the volcano’s remote location in the heart of Iceland’s uninhabited highlands means no infrastructure is at risk.

The series of aftershocks lasted for about three hours before subsiding, the joint office said in a statement.

“Earthquakes continue to be felt in this area and it is too early to say whether the masses will disappear,” he said.

The largest earthquake registered at 5.1 magnitude, it said, while 17 other earthquakes of magnitude 3 or more were detected, including at least two of magnitude 4 or more.

The joint office said the earthquake was “accompanying inflation due to the accumulation of magma” beneath Bardarbunga.

“This project will be closely monitored, but it is difficult to say what the development will be at this time,” said the joint office.

The caldera or crater of the central Bardarbunga volcano is about 25 square kilometers and is filled with ice.

It is one of six volcanic systems located beneath Europe’s largest glacier, Vatnajokull.

If a subglacial eruption occurs, there is a risk of ash explosions and floods below Vatnajokull.

If there were to be an eruption without snow, it would be a lava eruption, the joint office explained.

“Seismic activity has increased in Bardarbunga in recent months,” it said, with Tuesday’s earthquake the largest since Bardarbunga’s last six-month eruption in 2014-2015.

“Bardarbunga is unique because it is an unusually large volcanic system, partly covered by ice, and there are several possible scenarios,” the agency said. “Extensive research, as well as hazard assessment and emergency planning, was carried out during the 2014-2015 eruption, which will prove useful in the event of continued volcanic activity.”

That eruption caused the largest basalt lava flow in Iceland in more than 230 years but caused no injuries or damage.

Iceland has seen it seven volcanoes a year near the southwestern fishing village of Grindavik, leading to the town’s evacuation. After the seventh explosion, people were evacuated from about 50 houses in Grindavík, according to the country’s Civil Protection Agency.

Iceland is home to 33 volcanic systems, more than any other European country.

It is located on a rift between two tectonic plates, making the island country vulnerable to it earthquakes and volcanic eruptionsthat have shaken parts of the country and displaced civilians in recent years.