The RAZOR project in Iceland is dedicated to improving volcanic monitoring systems while harnessing geothermal energy, with a unique focus on drilling into magma chambers for scientific insights. Volcanoes are among the most powerful natural phenomena, shaping around 80% of the Earth's surface. Iceland, known as the land of fire and ice, owes its spectacular landscape to the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, where the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates diverge. The island's recurrent and varied eruptions continue to capture the attention of scientists, providing a wealth of data on geological processes.

In this edition of RAZOR, journalist Reya El-Salahi visits the Nordic Volcanological Centre at the University of Iceland to engage with a team of volcanologists studying the most recent series of eruptions in the country. Their research seeks to unravel the complex dynamics of these explosive events, thereby offering new insights into the inner workings of volcanic activity.

The ongoing volcanic activity is concentrated on the Reykjanes Peninsula, located near Iceland's capital, Reykjavik. After being dormant for nearly 800 years, following the Reykjanes Fires that concluded in 1240 AD, this region reawakened in early 2021 and has since witnessed 11 eruptions.

When a volcanic eruption occurs, established volcanologist Professor Simon Matthews takes swift action, collecting both molten lava and solidified samples from previous flows. These samples undergo extensive analysis in the lab, where they are scrutinized under electron microscopes, ground into fine powders, and chemically dissolved. The examination of their mineral composition offers crucial clues regarding the behavior of the volcanic systems that lie deep beneath the Earth's surface.

Geothermal energy is a cornerstone of Iceland's energy infrastructure. Approximately 90% of residential heating and over a quarter of the nation’s electricity generation rely on this resource. A serendipitous discovery made at the HS Orka Svartsengi geothermal plant, situated adjacent to the current eruption zone, yielded vital information that helped predict this recent surge in volcanic activity.

Further north, the Krafla Magma Testbed project represents a groundbreaking initiative aimed at drilling directly into a magma chamber, marking a world first in geoscience research. The project has a dual purpose: enhancing volcanic monitoring to prevent potential disasters and pioneering the development of next-generation geothermal power. However, the endeavor to harness magma's extreme heat poses formidable engineering challenges, and if the team succeeds, their work could serve as a model for similar projects worldwide.