Breathtaking Video Shows Glowing Molten Lava Engulfing Parking Lot

No matter where you live, there are certain natural events to be aware of, like tornadoes and wildfires. Then there are places like Iceland. Here, it is quite common to experience volcano eruptions. While they are common, a recent eruption has captured the attention of folks around the world for a few reasons. First of all, this is the seventh time this once long-dormant volcano has erupted this year. Though, this is the weakest eruption of them all.

Videos by InspireMore

Then there is the location of this volcano. Located on the Reykjanes peninsula in southwestern Iceland, it is close enough to the Blue Lagoon (a beloved spa and popular tourist spot) that folks here were told to evacuate. Thankfully, however, there have been no reports of injuries or death. Instead, locals and tourists in Iceland have been left with an eerily beautiful lake of lava in the Blue Lagoon parking lot. Check it out in the video below.

When you imagine a volcano eruption, you likely picture a large explosion. While this is one type of eruption, others are less explosive. Thankfully, this recent eruption was the calmer kind, something Thomas Algeo, an earth science professor at the University of Cincinnati says is “much less dangerous, because most of the activity involves slow moving basaltic lava flows.”

“It’s a style of volcanic activity that is effusive, slow flowing, not violently eruptive, like would be the case with a subduction zone volcanic system,” Thomas adds.

While the parking lot and a service building at the Blue Lagoon have been taken over by the lava, the facilities themselves are fine. Plus, there is no danger to the area, and flights have not been affected. Now, folks will simply have to wait for the affected areas to be cleared and re-opened to the public. In the meantime, there’s quite a breathtaking view to witness online.

You can find the source of this story’s featured image here!