Eruptions of the Svartsengi volcanic system initially unfold in a rapid and powerful way: within minutes, the ground tears open, forming fissures up to one kilometer long, from which lava emerges violently, creating high lava fountains and incandescent flows. At Sundhnúkagígar, during the November 20, 2024 event, the winter night was lit by an orange glow as activity progressively concentrated into a few eruptive vents.