The eruption of a volcano in Iceland has attracted swathes of curious onlookers, who are permitted to visit the area under strict conditions.

The recent eruption of a fissure near Mount Fagradalsfjall in the region of Geldingadalur, located around 40km from Reykjavik, represents the first such incident in the Krysuvik volcanic system in over 900 years. Many geologists harboured suspicions that the eruption might occur on on the Reykjanes Peninsula in the aftermath of more than 50,000 earthquakes occurring in the area in a period of 15 months. Approximately 300,000 cubic metres of lava have poured out of the ground from the eruption, which measures about 1640 to 2640 feet wide and is expected to subside in days or weeks.