When Volcanoes Awake: Iceland’s 5 Most Recent Volcanic Eruptions

When Volcanoes Awake: Iceland’s 5 Most Recent Volcanic Eruptions

Have you ever wondered what it’s like to experience the raw power of a volcanic eruption up close? In Iceland, you don’t have to wonder. With over 130 volcanic mountains, Iceland is one of the most geologically active places on the planet. Here, fiery eruptions are a way of life — and a spectacle like no other.

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1. Litli-Hrútur Erupts in Iceland's Reykjanes Peninsula in 2023

Litli-Hrútur erupted in 2023 in Iceland's Reykjanes Peninsula, just 25 miles from the capital Reykjavik. This small volcanic fissure eruption lasted only 6 days but produced dramatic lava fountains and rivers of molten rock.

Located in a volcanic zone with frequent earthquakes and geothermal activity, Litli-Hrútur had been showing signs of unrest for months before erupting. On July 10, a magnitude 4.0 earthquake shook the area, opening up a fissure that began spewing lava and gasses. The eruption fed an active lava flow that traveled over 2 miles before stopping, though pockets of molten rock continued bubbling for weeks.

While short-lived, Litli-Hrútur's eruption awed locals and visitors alike with its fiery display. The dramatic lava fountains shot molten rock up to 200 feet high, illuminating the night sky. Iceland’s volcanoes, though potentially dangerous, create stunning and memorable natural wonders when they do stir from their slumber.

Frequently Asked Questions

What causes Iceland’s frequent volcanic eruptions? Iceland sits atop the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, a massive underwater mountain range where tectonic plates are spreading apart. As the plates drift, magma from the mantle rises up and erupts as lava at the surface.

Are Iceland’s volcanoes dangerous? Yes, Iceland’s volcanoes can be hazardous. While eruptions often occur in sparsely populated areas, volcanic ash and gasses can disrupt air travel, damage property, and threaten lives. However, Iceland has a sophisticated monitoring system to detect unrest and mitigate risks.

What are some positives of Iceland’s volcanic activity? Iceland’s volcanoes have shaped a dramatic landscape and provide geothermal energy and hot springs used for electricity and recreation. Eruptions also draw tourists and scientists fascinated by their power and beauty. With precautions, Iceland shows that volcanoes and society can safely coexist.

2. Fagradalsfjall Erupts Twice in 2021-2022 Near Reykjavik

Fagradalsfjall volcano, located on the Reykjanes Peninsula just 30 minutes from Reykjavik, erupted twice in 2021 and 2022, drawing visitors from around the world to witness the spectacular lava fountains and flowing lava.

The first eruption started on March 19, 2021 in Geldingadalir valley, lasting for about 9 months until December 18, 2021. Lava fountains shot up to 200 feet high, and lava flows covered over 1 square mile, coming within 1.2 miles of the nearby Keflavik International Airport. Over 400,000 cubic meters of lava were emitted, making it Iceland’s longest eruption in 50 years.

A second eruption began on August 3, 2022 in Meradalir valley, just a few miles from the first site. Massive lava fountains and fast-flowing lava streams amazed visitors again. These twin eruptions have produced some of the most voluminous lava flows in Iceland’s recent history.

How dangerous are the eruptions?

The Fagradalsfjall eruptions pose little danger since they are effusive eruptions, producing slow-moving lava flows. However, the area is monitored closely due to the nearby airport and the possibility of eruption escalation. Visitors are advised to stay on marked trails and follow instructions from officials. The eruptions are a reminder that Iceland remains an active volcanic region.

How can I visit the eruption site?

Visitors can join guided tours from Reykjavik to see the eruption sites. Multiple tour companies offer day trips and hiking tours to view the lava fountains and flows up close in a safe manner. The best views are from the hiking trails on the Reykjanes Peninsula. With stunning volcanic scenery and the excitement of an ongoing eruption, visiting Fagradalsfjall is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for many.

3. The Fiery Fury of Holuhraun's 2014-2015 Eruption

In 2014, the Holuhraun fissure eruption began in the Bárðarbunga volcanic system in Iceland’s highlands. Lasting from August 2014 until February 2015, this was Iceland’s largest lava flow in over 200 years.

The eruption started with a massive earthquake swarm and surface uplift indicating magma intrusion. On August 29, a volcanic eruption began at the Holuhraun lava field, just north of Vatnajökull glacier. A 1.5 km long fissure opened, spewing lava and volcanic gasses. The eruption was effusive, meaning the lava flowed out steadily rather than explosively. At its peak, the lava fountains reached heights of 70 meters.

The eruption had a significant environmental impact due to the emission of volcanic gasses like sulfur dioxide. The lava flow covered over 84 square kilometers, making it Iceland’s largest since the Laki eruption in 1783-1784. The Holuhraun lava field is now part of Iceland’s largest lava flow since human settlement.

While the eruption caused some disruption to infrastructure with road and power line damage, no lives were lost. However, the sulfur dioxide emissions did cause respiratory problems and pollution for some Icelanders. The eruption is a sobering reminder of the volatile forces that built Iceland.

This enormous fissure eruption and lava flow captivated scientists and spectators around the world. Although destructive in its fury, the eruption shaped a dramatic new landscape that will endure for centuries. The Holuhraun eruption demonstrated the enduring power of Iceland’s active geology in building and transforming its sovereign territory.

4. Grímsvötn Volcano Erupts Again in 2011

The Grímsvötn volcano, Iceland’s most active, erupted again in 2011, after its last eruption in 2004. Located under the massive Vatnajökull glacier in southeast Iceland, Grímsvötn is a subglacial volcano, meaning its eruptions often lead to massive glacier melt and flooding.

On May 21, 2011, Grímsvötn awoke with a bang, melting through the glacier and spewing a huge ash plume up to 20 km into the air. Molten lava and steam burst through the ice, creating a dramatic display of fire and ice. The eruption lasted only a week but caused widespread disruption, as the ash plume drifted over northern Europe, grounding flights for several days.

A Powerful but Short-Lived Eruption

The 2011 eruption was Grímsvötn’s largest since 1934 in terms of volume of magma erupted. Scientists measured the plume reaching up to 15 km high, and estimated the eruption released around 0.4 to 0.6 cubic km of tephra (fragments of rock, ash and pumice). However, the eruption only lasted 6-7 days before the lava flow began to slow and the plume started to collapse.

While powerful, the eruption caused no fatalities or major damage, though it did result in some local flooding from meltwater and covered homes and farms with a thick layer of ash. The international airspace disruptions impacted over 900 flights and 95,000 passengers. Locally, the ash fallout caused poor visibility, though winds carried much of the ash out to sea.

Grímsvötn remains seismically active and is closely monitored. With an eruption frequency of 5 to 10 years, the next awakening of this active subglacial volcano is always unpredictable but inevitable. When Grímsvötn stirs again, its fire and fury are a humbling reminder of the immense forces of nature that shaped Iceland’s dramatic landscape.

5. Eyjafjallajökull's Explosive 2010 Eruption Disrupts Air Travel

Eyjafjallajökull, Iceland’s sixth-largest glacier, erupted explosively in 2010 for the first time since 1821. This stratovolcano in southern Iceland erupted for about 2 months, from April to May. While relatively small, this eruption caused enormous disruption to air travel across western and northern Europe due to the massive ash plume it released into the atmosphere.

The eruption began on March 20th at the summit under the ice of Eyjafjallajökull glacier. As magma interacted with ice and snow, the pressure built up until the volcano burst through the glacier on April 14th, producing an ash plume that reached up to 11 km (33,000 feet) high. This forced the closure of airspace over most of Europe for 6 days, grounding about 100,000 flights and 10 million passengers.

The ash plume drifted southeast, then east over Europe. Airports started to close in Scotland and Norway, then England and other parts of Western Europe. Eventually, about 20 countries closed their airspace to commercial jet traffic. Thousands of travelers were stranded, with long delays and chaos at airports across the region.

Eyjafjallajökull continued erupting through June 2010, with lava flows and ash plumes of varying heights. The eruption finally came to an end in late June, allowing air travel to resume and stranded passengers to make their way home at last. The total cost of the eruption and airspace closures exceeded $5 billion USD.

While disruptive, the 2010 Eyjafjallajökull eruption was relatively small for a stratovolcano. However, its impacts highlight how even a minor volcanic eruption in Iceland can have far-reaching effects, especially when volcanic gasses and ash are released into the atmosphere. Iceland’s location in the North Atlantic makes its volcanoes a threat to air travel whenever they do stir from their slumber.

Volcano Iceland Eruption FAQs: Your Top Questions Answered

Volcanoes are inherently fascinating—and frightening. Iceland’s active volcanoes regularly make headlines around the world, leaving many with questions about these geological wonders. Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about Iceland’s volcanoes and volcanic activity.

How many active volcanoes does Iceland have?

Iceland has over 130 volcanic mountains, with about 30 still active. This is due to Iceland’s location on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates are moving apart at a rate of a few centimeters per year. This allows magma to rise to the surface, feeding Iceland’s active volcanic systems.

Are there warning signs before a volcanic eruption?

Volcanic eruptions are often preceded by increased seismic activity, ground deformation, and gas emissions. Scientists closely monitor Iceland’s volcanoes for these signs using equipment that can detect even minor earthquakes and ground swelling. However, some eruptions can still occur with little or no warning. The 2010 eruption of Eyjafjallajökull was preceded by weeks of earthquakes, but the eruption of Holuhraun in 2014 began abruptly with a large fissure opening in the ground.

How long do volcanic eruptions typically last in Iceland?

The duration of Icelandic eruptions can vary greatly, ranging from days to years. The 2014-2015 Holuhraun eruption spewed lava for over 6 months. In contrast, the 2021 eruption of Fagradalsfjall only lasted a few days. The duration depends on many factors, including the volcano’s magma supply and how easily magma and gasses can escape to the surface. Longer eruptions tend to produce more voluminous lava flows, while shorter eruptions are often more explosive.

Are volcanic eruptions dangerous?

Yes, volcanic eruptions can be extremely dangerous. The main hazards include: toxic gasses, lava flows, volcanic bombs, ashfall, and mudflows. However, Iceland’s volcanoes are closely monitored, and civilians are evacuated promptly if there are signs of impending eruption. Iceland also has a well-organized emergency response plan for volcanic crises. By following instructions from authorities, staying informed, and exercising caution, the dangers to public safety can be minimized during these awe-inspiring displays of nature.

Conclusion

So there you have it, a quick glimpse into some of Iceland’s most recent and notable volcanic eruptions. Iceland remains an active volcanic region, so more eruptions are likely in the coming years and decades. If you’re planning a trip to Iceland, keep an eye on the latest volcanic activity reports to see if there are any new eruptions you might spot. And of course, exercise caution if you do venture near an active eruption site. Volcanoes, while fascinating to observe, are ultimately powerful and unpredictable forces of nature. By understanding Iceland’s volcanic history, we gain a deeper appreciation for the raw beauty and danger of these geological wonders.

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