Volcano erupts near Iceland’s capital

A volcano has begun to erupt close to Reykjavik, with lava flowing from a fissure on the side of the Fagradalsfjall mountain that in 2021 saw an eruption lasting six months


NORTH AMERICAN PLATE
Grimsvotn and Laki

9,000 people – one quarter of population – killed in 1783-85 eruption and subsequent famine

EURASIAN PLATE
Mid-Atlantic Ridge
Tectonic plates pulling apart, allowing molten lava to rise to surface

Major volcanoes

Reykjavik
Keflavík Airport
ICELAND
Loki-Fogrufjöll
Hekla
Katla
Krafla
Askja
Öræfajökull
NORTH ATLANTIC OCEAN
50km 30 miles

Fagradalsfjall: Lava and smoke pouring from fissure in volcano on Reykjanes Peninsula – seismic hot spot

Nearby eruption in 2021 drew over 430,000 visitors

Eyjafjallajökull
Eruption of 2010 halted around 100,000 flights and forced hundreds of Icelanders from their homes

Iceland has 32 active volcanic systems


Sources: U.S. Geological Survey, Icelandic Meteorological Office, BBC 
© GRAPHIC NEWS