Volcanism of Iceland

Iceland frequently witnesses volcanic activity, a result of its position over the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, a divergent boundary for tectonic plates, and its location above a hot spot. During the Holocene epoch, close to thirty volcanoes are documented to have erupted. Among them is Eldgjá, responsible for the most extensive lava eruption recorded in human history.

Important eruptions

Hekla:
Hekla has erupted more than 20 times throughout recorded history. It earned the medieval European moniker "Gate of Hell," a reputation that endured into the 19th century.

Laki/Skaftáreldar 1783-84:
The deadliest volcanic eruption in Iceland's history was the Skaftáreldar (fires of Skaftá) in 1783-1784. Located in the crater row Lakagígar southwest of Vatnajökull glacier, the eruption in the larger volcanic system caused roughly a fifth of Iceland's population to perish. The indirect effects, such as changes in climate and livestock illnesses due to ash and poisonous gases, were responsible for most deaths. The eruption also produced the second-largest basaltic lava flow from a single eruption in historic times.

Eldfell 1973:
Eldfell, a volcanic cone on the east side of Heimaey island, formed during an unexpected eruption in January 1973. The island's 5,300 residents evacuated swiftly on fishing boats. Despite one casualty, manual seawater spraying slowed the lava's progress into the harbor, preventing further loss.

Eyjafjallajökull 2010:
The 2010 eruption under Eyjafjallajökull caused six days of severe air travel disruption across western and northern Europe, affecting around 10 million people on a journey. With a Volcanic Explosivity Index (VEI) of 4, it marked the largest known eruption from Eyjafjallajökull. Unlike previous eruptions, no activity occurred at the larger volcano Katla following this event.


Grímsvötn 2011:
In May 2011, the eruption at Grímsvötn under the Vatnajökull glacier released thousands of tons of ash, causing initial concerns of travel chaos. Approximately 900 flights were disrupted, highlighting potential for broader consequences.

Holuhraun 2014–2015:
Bárðarbunga's eruption in Holuhraun, lasting 180 days from August 17, 2014, to February 2015, was Iceland's largest in 230 years. Notable for its extensive lava flow and sulfur dioxide emissions, it affected air quality across Iceland and Western Europe.

Fagradalsfjall 2021-2022:
Following increased seismic activity, an eruption occurred near Fagradalsfjall in 2021, with a subsequent similar event in 2022.

Litli-Hrútur 2023:
On July 10, 2023, a fissure eruption began near the summit of Litli-Hrútur.

Sundhnúkur 2023:
On December 18, 2023, at 22:17 near Hagafell, a volcano initiated a fissure eruption.