This means that the active rifts above the hotspot have progressively jumped towards the east, causing the development of two major transform zones in the north and south of the island.

The magnitude estimated by the Icelandic Meteorological Office was 6.4 Mw , assuming a single fault, although such a model did not fit all the available data.

[5] A peak ground acceleration of 0.85 g was calculated for the second quake, based on damage to a bridge crossing the Þjórsá river.

[3] Severe damage from both quakes occurred to a combined area of about 800 km2 (310 sq mi), stretching from Landssveit and Holta to Rangárvellir.

Six Landsvirkjun high-voltage masts were affected in the earthquakes when guy-wires and foundations subsided by up to 30 cm (0.98 ft), with repairs lasting until 22 June.