Volcano erupts near capital infographic
Graphic shows Iceland’s major volcanoes and tectonic plate boundaries.
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ICELAND

Volcano erupts near Iceland’s capital

By Jordi Bou

August 4, 2022 - 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.

Local media showed images of lava and smoke pouring from a fissure on the side of the mountain, as officials warned tourists and locals to stay away.

The Reykjanes Peninsula is a volcanic and seismic hot spot, and the outbreak took place just 25 km from Reykjavik and 15km from the nation's international airport.

In March last year, lava fountains erupted spectacularly in the area from a fissure 500 to 750 metres long, continuing until September and attracting thousands of Icelanders and tourists to the scene.

In 2010, the ice-covered Eyjafjallajokull volcano halted some 100,000 flights and forced hundreds of Icelanders from their homes.

The deadliest eruption occurred in 1783-85, when the eruption of Grimsvotn and Laki volcanos
and and the subsequent famine, killed 9,000 people – one quarter of population.

Sources
PUBLISHED: 04/08/2022; STORY: Graphic News
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