A New Era in Earthquake Monitoring for Iceland
On February 3, 2026, the Icelandic Meteorological Office (IMO) announced a significant milestone in its ongoing commitment to public safety: SeisComP has been officially designated as the primary system for monitoring and analyzing earthquakes in the country. This transition replaces the long-serving SIL system, which has effectively tracked seismic activity since its introduction in 1991.
A Modern Leap Forward
SeisComP represents a cutting-edge leap in the IMO’s capabilities, providing real-time monitoring and improved communication regarding natural hazards. While SIL has been a reliable backbone of Iceland’s seismic infrastructure for over three decades, the shift to SeisComP reflects the need for greater flexibility and modernization in response to evolving research and safety standards.
“It’s a vital development for public safety and enhancing our ability to communicate information about natural hazards,” stated Kristin Jonsdóttir, Head of the Department of Earth Sciences at IMO. As SeisComP is fine-tuned and historical data is migrated, the SIL system will remain operational as a secondary support, ensuring a seamless transition without any disruption to the integrity of earthquake records.
Upgraded Tools and Features
In conjunction with the implementation of SeisComP, the IMO has also unveiled an updated version of the Skjálftalísa web interface. This new platform boasts enhanced analytical tools and layers, facilitating easier access to earthquake data for researchers, emergency responders, and the public alike. Historical data from SIL is actively being transferred to SeisComP, which will enrich the continuous monitoring efforts provided by the updated Skjálftalísa.
The new interface will now allow users to visualize seismic activity, assessing earthquake depth, frequency, and temporal trends more effectively than ever before.
What to Expect in the Transition
As with any change, some adjustments will be noticeable in the early stages of this transition:
- The number of reviewed earthquakes may initially dip while the manual analysis catches up.
- Earthquake locations could slightly vary due to differences in processing methods between SIL and SeisComP.
- SeisComP’s enhanced sensitivity may enable it to detect smaller earthquakes in certain regions.
A Proven System Built on Solid Foundations
SeisComP is renowned as the most widely adopted earthquake monitoring system globally. Partners such as ÍSOR, the Swedish National Seismic Network, and the Swiss Seismological Service have all utilized the system and collaborated with the IMO during this transition. As an open-source platform, SeisComP not only supports ease of custom processing but has also been fine-tuned for Iceland’s unique seismic requirements.
Reflecting on SIL’s Legacy
SIL has played an instrumental role in advancing earthquake research in Iceland since it was commissioned in 1991. Designed to automatically detect micro-earthquakes, it facilitated critical research into earthquake forecasting and stress accumulation in the Earth’s crust. Developed by a team of seismologists from the Nordic countries, SIL quickly established itself as one of the world’s leading systems in micro-earthquake detection.
Since its inception, the SIL network has expanded to approximately 100 stations, significantly increasing its detection capacity. The system has recorded over 1.1 million earthquakes, marking a pivotal chapter in Iceland’s geological history.
Looking Ahead
The launch of SeisComP is just the beginning. The IMO has outlined a second phase in this endeavor, aimed at refining analytical capabilities, earthquake localization, and improving overall user experience in the coming months. The Icelandic Meteorological Office extends its gratitude to all contributors to this significant advancement in earthquake monitoring.
As Iceland positions itself at the forefront of seismic research and disaster preparedness, the shift from SIL to SeisComP illustrates a commitment to enhancing safety and communication in the face of natural threats.