European Volcanoes : Iceland,Vesuvius,Pompeii,Etna,Stromboli,Vulcano,Santorini

Mt Etna:Sicily Mt Etna is not only Europes tallest volcano (3326m) but one of the two most active. It measures 140km around its base and its lava fields dominate Eastern Sicily. It has been erupting for 500,000 years. The Geology Bit Etna lies near the subduction zone boundary of two tectonic plates( European and African) This type of boundary would usually cause explosive and violent ash cloud eruptions like Vesuvius and the Aeolian Islands. However, unlike the neighbouring Aeolain Islands the activity is more like Hawaii, with basaltic lava flows and fountains. So its origins remain a geological puzzle but the lava certainly comes from a direct route from the mantle probably due to extension on the overlying plate rather than the accepted magma generation process caused by a subduction zone. The basalt which is erupted in spectacular fountains and lava flows is certainly not typical of a subduction zone. Etna started forming 500,000 years ago on the floor of the mediterranean sea and emerged from the sea, with Sicily, around 100,000 years ago. The summit area has 3 craters , The central crater ( encompasses La Voragine/Chasm and Bocca Nuove), the NE Crater and the SE Crater. The SE crater has produced the most spectacular eruptions or paroxysms of in the last 10 years. There are numerous parasitic cones and vents over Etnas slopes and eruptions are not exclusively from the crater area. On the eastern side of Etna is the Valle de bove a 5km wide valley or scoop down which many of Etnas summit lava flows tavel. The main rock type erupted is basalt a molten rock sourced from the earths mantle which has a temperature of around 800 C when molten. It forms two types of lava flow "aa aa" slow moving and very rough and "pahoehoe" or ropey lava which moves in smoother manner. Etna can also produce fire fountains of lava 100s of metres high and large quantites of tephra and bombs. The population of Eastern Sicily have a love hate relationship with their volcano. Etna provides wonderfully fertile soils for olives and grapes and slopes for skiing but it also threatens their homes with lava flows. 1669:The Nicolosi and Monte Rossi vents produced lava flows which threatened Catania and the first attempts at lava diversion were made . 1983: Sapienza threatened and attempts at lava diversion with explosives were made. Etna has not had rest from erupting and throughout the 90s and into the 00s.For more eruption detail please use the link below. Buy guides to Sicily at our Online Shop Detail on eruptions : Boris website What to see and How to see it? Etna was made a national park in 1987 : "Parco dell'Etna" The snow has largely gone from Etnas upper slopes between May and September although you will find patches. Access to Etna is usually from the south side to the top cable car station at Piccolo rifugio. Below the Rifugio Sapienza is located at 1910m and has shops and restaurants; it is the base of the cable car and easily reached by a paved road. 4WD tours often leave from the top cable car staion so check with the local tourist office or at the Rifugio Sapienza. Ascent to the summit from the north side can be arranged in Lingualossa, check the tourist office for guides and trips. 4WD trips leave from Piano Provenzana, which is recovering from the 2003 eruption and go to Piano delle Concazze, at about 2700 m. All trips to the summit are subject to change or cancellation due to activity . To try to go without an experienced guide would be daft to say the least. The following companies provide tours and trips with experienced guides not just to the summit but to other features of interest such as lava tubes and hornitos! www.volcanodiscovery.com www.etnatrekking.com www.volcanotrek.com Etnas terrain is rough under foot and sharp. A good pair of boots and gaitors area good idea as is a walking pole. Lava is sharp to sit on and can cut your legs so trousers for most of us and shorts for the most hardy .The summit area is high so be prepared to go a little slower due to altitude and pace yourself. Buy equipment and guides at our Online Shop Etna Links : www.vulcanoetna.it : Etna webcams www.volcanodiscovery.com: Activity updates Global Volcanism project www.Volcanoetna.com Italy Cradle of Vulcanology Stromboli Online:Etna www.Decadevolcano.net To the top / Uk shop / USA shop
Stromboli:Aeolian Island The island of Stromboli is the top of volcano which emerges from the Tyrrhenian Sea and is part of the Aeolian islands off the North East coast of Sicily. The cone rises 924m above sea level and the volcano has been continuously erupting for at least the last 2000 years. The Geology Bit Stromboli forms part of Calabrian Island Arc. The Tectonic setting of the Mediterranean can be complicated but essentially the volcanic activity here is caused by the westwards subduction of the African plate beneath the European plate containing Sicily and the Tyrrhenian sea. This type of setting typically produces explosive and violent eruptions like those of Vesuvius but Stromboli seems to have a continuously open vent which allows frequent eruption of lava bombs and incandescent lava fragments every few minutes of hours. This style of eruption is called Strombolian. To the top / Uk shop / USA shop What to see and How to see it? The best way to climb Stromboli is with a guide. At 924m this is around 3000ft to the top. The most popular way to ascend the volcano is in late afternoon so that the summit fireworks can be seen after dark. Descending the mountain in darkness without a guide is not recomended and would be decidedly hairy. The tourist office will help you find a suitable guide and one that is sanctioned by the Club Alpino Italiano Office on the island. Stromboli can be reached by ferry from the Sicilian mainland and other Aeolian islands. There are no cars on the island, but golf carts and mopeds! The summit most people climb to is the Pizzo sopra la Fossa at 918m. The path follows the waterfront past Ficogrande and then turns upwards to the observatory at Punta Labronzo. It is then worn and sunken zig zag path upwards to a rock refuge before a final ridge walk to the top. The Sciara del Fuoco is on your right, and is a steep slope down which many of Strombolis bombs and lava fall.The ridge walk may be done after dark so a headtorch is absolutley essential. The whole walk to the top ,at a steady pace, takes 4 hours or so. If its dark you will not be able to see the detail of the circular depression at the top. The active vents are 100-150m below the walking summit and you probably heard and smelt them on the way up. There are currently three craters which regularly eject lava into the air up to 300m but more commonly 100m. Stromboli can behave erratically and lingering at the summit for too long may put you at risk from bombs. The descent can be the ascent route or down the "moonwalk" path which is a long descent down an ash slope líke walking down a giant sanddune. The path then becomes sunken and vegetated before emerging onto a track and finally Stromboli town. The whole ropund trip can take 6-7 hours depending on conditions so is not suitable for young children. Adequate warm clothing , food and drink is a must for this trip as it can be cold at the top and at rest stops. Walking poles, gaitors, headtorch and facemask are strongly reccomended. A hardhat should be provided by the guide and possibly a facemask. New Ascent regulations from August 2007 Buy equipment and guides at our Online Shop www.volcanodiscovery.com www.etnatrekking.com www.volcanotrek.com Stromboli Links Global volcanism project Stromboli Online:Stromboli Volcanoworld.Stromboli To the top / Uk shop / USA shop
Vulcano:Aeolian Islands The island of Vulcano has a "pocket sized" volcano which does not require the strenuous long hikes of Etna and Stromboli to see. The highest point on the island is 499m. The Geology Bit Like Stromboli, and its Aeolian neighbours, Vulcano is part of the Calabrian Island Arc and has typically infrequent violent eruptions the last one was in 1890 from the Fossa cone. There are 3 main volcanic centres ;at the southern end of the island Monte Aria,Monte Saraceno and Monte Luccia;Gran Cratere (Fossa Cone) which sits within Lentia caldera; Vulcanello originally a separate islet which appeared in 183BC whcih was connected to Vulcano in 1550 by a pyroclastic flow. The last eruptions of 1890 devasted the island and 5m of pyroclastic material was deposited near the summit. The numerous fumeroles on the summit are closely monitored for any new activity brewing. What to see and How to see it? The climb to the top and crater circuit of the Fossa cone (391m) is the main highlight of Vulcano and is easily accessible to those who are reasonably fit and prepared, and takes a morning or afternoon.It is not a particularly strenuous climb but a bit rocky and ash covered. The hydrofoil and ferry stop here and small boats can bring you from Lipari. The path heads up from Porto di Levante , past a warning sign about the hazards of the volcano! Once at the top a view of the 460m wide crater opens up. The crater is 175m deep and some rock art is visible on the crater floor. Climbing down into the crater is not advised firstly because of poisonous gases that accumulate here and secondly its a long way back up over rough and hot ground. The crater rim steams with fumaroles and sulphurous fumes and the smell of sulphur and rotten eggs is on the damp hot breeze. Careful where you sit and put your feet as the ground and fumes can be very hot - scalding! An ash covered slope descends once you have circumnavigated the crater rim . Its like walking on a giant sand dune. Vulcano also has a geothermal open air mud bath with supposed health giving properties and the sea has warm water springs when you want to freshen up. Remove any metal jewellery as it will get spoilt. A stick,gaitors an old swimming costume and towel may came in handy. Buy equipment and guides at our Online Shop Vulcano Links Volcanoworld: Vulcano Stromboli online:Vulcano www.volcanodiscovery.com www.etnatrekking.com www.volcanotrek.com To the top / Uk shop / USA shop
Vesuvius At 1281m high Vesuvius looms over the 3 million inhabitants of Naples on the Italian mainland. it is probably the most famous volcano in the world owing to its devastating eruption in AD79 which buried the Roman cities of Herculaneum and Pompeii. Vesuvius has been active for 25,000 years and last erupted in 1944. The Geology Bit Vesuvius is a stratovolcano composed of layers of ash and lava.The main cone Gran Cono (1281m)was formed in the AD79 eruption and sits within a caldera caused by the collapse of a larger cone called Monte Somme (1149m).Vesuvius owes its existence to the subduction of the African plate below the European plate along a convergent or destructive boundary. Vesuvius erupts in a Plinian style. In Ad 79 Pliny the Younger documented the eruption , which described a vertical column of smoke which spread out like an umbrella higher in the atmosphere. As the eruption looses its upward power the column and cloud collapse depositing large volumes of pumice and scoria. Pyroclastic clouds plunge down the volcanoes sides consuming everything in their path. It is the pyroclastic flows which eventually finished off the remaining inhabitants of Pompeii. Pliny the elder was a naval commander killed by the eruption whilst attempting to rescue people and observe the volcano. In 1944 Vesuvius erupted again and pumped ash clouds into the sky. The town of San Sebastiano had already been destroyed by lava in 1822,1855 and 1872 and now faced the lava again. A ten foot high wall of lava invaded the town and destroyed buildings yet again. To the top / Uk shop / USA shop What to see and How to see it? The car park at 1000m is the place to start your circuit of Vesuvius s crater. There is a 1.5km long track to the crater rim from here for which you will have to pay a fee. It is a steep track which should take around 30 minutes to an hour.The crater rim walk may be closed in bad weather. The crater walk round the AD79 crater is spectacular as you look down into the chasm over 300m deep. If you wish to descend to the crater floor contact the Club Alpino Italiano who may arrange a suitable guide. Lavas from the 1944 eruption partially cover the crater floor and you may see fumaroles. The car park has snack bars and mineral stores which sell minerals from nowhere near Vesuvius! There is a paved road to a car park at 1000m . The train also links Ercolano with Pompeii. Buses leave from Pompeii Tourist information for around 10 Euros and more unreliably from Ercolano. Buy equipment and guides at our Online Shop Pompeii Pompeii was a prosperous Roman City complete with Amphitheatre and Forum. It was a popular destination for Romans on holiday. It has been extensively excavated from its covering of volcanic ash and pumice and is fantastic to wander around. Walk into houses that feel like the owners have just popped out of and see original paintings and frescos on the walls. Wander past fast food stalls Roman style and cross over chariot rutted roads.There are even political slogans written on walls in Latin and a brothel. Some of the population no doubt fled at the first rumblings from Vesuvius but others reamined as the ash and debris rained down on them blocking streets and doorways. It was eventually overwhelmed by at least 6 Pyroclastic flows or surges which are hot avalanches of gas,ash and rocks which move at incredible speed. Nothing survives a pyroclastic flow and many citizens were entombed in their dieing positions as they were overcome by the flows. Plaster has been poured into the moulds left by the bodies and can be seen Antiquarium near Porta Marina. Other Highlights Villa dei Misteri Casa del Fauno Casa dei Vetti Museo Vesuviano Via dell'Abbondanza Gladiator School Getting to Pompeii Take the private train line Circumvesuviana that runs between Naples and Sorrento. Get off at Pompei Scavi. If you take the Naples to Poggiomarino get off at Pompeii Santuario. SITA bus runs from Naples to Salerno stops at Pompei in the piazza Esedra. Pompeii exit from Autostrada A3. Admission Single ticket €10. Three day pass to access five sites: Herculaneum, Pompeii, Oplontis, Stabiae, Boscoreale for €18. Opening Times November - March: every day from 8.30 a.m. to 5 p.m. (last admission 3.30 p.m.) April - October: every day from 8.30 a.m. to 7.30 p.m. (last admission 6 p.m.) Closed: 1st January, 1st May, 25th December You can leave luggage and backpacks at the Left Luggage departments at Porta Marina and Piazza Anfiteatro. Official Pompeii site Buy equipment and guides at our Online Shop To the top / Uk shop / USA shop Hercalanuem Hercalaneum is Pompeiis lesser known neighbour but is just as fascinating. Hercalaneum was a seaside port on the southern slopes on Vesuvius. It was overwhelmed by a series of Pyroclastic flows just like Pompeii. In arched chambers by the shore near the Suburban Thermae (Town Baths) hundreds of skeletons were found fruitlessly sheltering from the pyroclastic flows. Charred door frames from the orginal buildings and mosaics survive intact. There is a rarely preserved intact Roman theatre which can seat 3000. A seat of learning carbonised scrolls have been recovered and read. Hercalaneum is within the not too pretty modern town of Ercalano. It is reachable by train on the Naples to Sorrento line and vice versa where a walk down the hill and through the town will bring you to the site. An entrance fee is payable. Vesuvius Links Global Volcanism project VulcanoEtna.com Vesuvius www.Roman-empire.net:Hercalaneum BBC History: Pompeii Wikipedea:Pompeii www.vesuvioinrete.it: Gateway to Vesuvius Official Pompeii site To the top / Uk shop / USA shop
Santorini (Thera) Santorini lies in the Southern Aegean sea and is considered one of the most dramatic and beautiful Greek islands. The crescent shaped island wraps around a lagoon 12km long by 7km wide and is surrounded by 300m high cliffs which extend a further 400m under water. It is the most active volcano in Greece. The Geology Bit Santorini lies within the Southern Aegean Island Arc and owes its existence to the subduction of the African plate beneath the European plate along the ionian trench to the south of Crete. In 1650BC a catastrophic Plinian ( like Vesuvius)eruption blew the centre out of the island creating an eruption column estimated to have been 23 miles high. The explosion is thought to have caused a tsunami which devastated the northern shore of Crete to the south and precipitated the decline of the Minoan civilisation. The sea flooded into the caldera created by the evacuation of the magma chamber , hence the steep cliffs which extend below the waterline. Unlike Pompeii it would appear that the population were able to evacuate before the final eruption as no human remains have been found in the ancient city of Akroteri. Hundreds of feet of ash were deposited by the explosion.There have been 11 eruptions since 197 BC the most recent being on Nea Kameni island in 1950. Most of the lavas are dacitic which means they are quite viscous and form domes and short lava flows. To the top / Uk shop / USA shop What to see and How to see it? Nea Kameni Boats depart from the port of Athinios and land at Kato Fira (Yialo) on Nea Kameni . A path from here goes across lava from 1925 before going up to the ashy slopes of Mikri Kameni . The path continues towards and around the main Dafni crater. Next onto 2 craters formed in 1940 which are steaming with fumaroles and bright yellow sulphur and up to the summit of the island at 127m. look out for breadcrust bombs along the way with their distinctive cracked crust. About 4 hours on the island should be enough to fully explore all the lava fields and have a good look round. On the way back stop off at Palea Kameni to bathe in hot spring heated bay of Agios Nikolaos. You can climb to the 98m summit for a good view of the Santorini caldera and Nea Kameni. There is a cross section through a lava dome on the SE shore best viewed from the boat. Akrotiri Excavations began in 1967 of the former Minoan city buried by the 1650BC eruption. You can get a visitors guide at the entrance to the site. Not much has been excavated yet but it is interesting to see how earthquake damage was repaired before the eruption took place. The ancient city was engulfed by pyroclastic flows. Quarries The thick deposits left by the eruption can be seen in two quarries one to the south of Fira and the other on the Akrotiri road. Layer upon layer of pumice and pyroclastic flow deposits in cliffs up to 20m high. You can even see the orignial soil layer from before the eruption. Buy equipment and guides at our Online Shop Santorini Links Global Volcanism project Stromboli Online:Santorini Santorini.net Decade volcano:Santorini Wikipedea : Santorini To the top / Uk shop / USA shop
Iceland Iceland lies just beneath the Arctic circle in the North Atlantic and is often called the "Land of Ice and Fire". This name comes from a the combination of 130 volcanic mountains, hydrothermal fields and extensive glaciers the largest of which is the Vatnajokull Glacier. Driving in Iceland An offroaders heaven! The main road around the perimeter of Iceland is paved but the interior roads are rough rock and gravel tracks and will involve river crossings so experience of 4WD , a map and of course a 4WD are essential. Make sure the petrol tank is full as petrol staions can be few and far between and non existent in the interior. Mountain Roads can be closed until June and those roads with an F prefix are only passable with a four wheel drive.The sign Malbik Endar means the paved road is about to run out - so slow down. Some river crossings can have water 4ft deep. Buy an Iceland road map at our online shop The Geology bit Icelands volcanoes owe their origin to the combination of two geological forces. Firstly Iceland sits upon the Mid-Atlantic Ridge ;this where the North American plate and the European plate are being pulled apart at about 5cm/year. As the Atlantic gets wider magma wells up from the mantle below creating new oceanic crust below the sea surface and new land above. The Mid-Atlantic ridge extends all the way to the South Atlantic as a narrow zone of spreading,rifting and volcanic activity on the ocean floor. Secondly,Iceland rises above the sea due to an extra concentrated jet or pulse of magma called a hot spot or mantle plume which provides an extra boost of molten rock. The rocks erupted are similar to Hawaii in that they are mainly basaltic and produce lava fountains and flows.Iceland has extensive Geothermal activity and is home to the original Geyser. Geothermal activity also provides home with hot water and electricity. All over Iceland you will see columnar basalt columns. These polygonal sided columns form naturally as flood basalts cool and contract. Fartifoss waterfall is a goof example of these. Icelands volcanic regions of current activity are governed by the Mid Atlantic ridge which splits the country in two. Iceland deserves its own website to do it justice so here I have just given the volcanic highlights but rest assured there are many more things to see than just the big names. Buy guides to Iceland at our Online Shop To the top / Uk shop / USA shop Eruption april 2010 Eyjafjoll Geologic Summary. Eyjafjöll (also known as Eyjafjallajökull) is located immediately west of Katla volcano. Eyjafjöll consists of an E-W-trending, elongated ice-covered basaltic-andesite stratovolcano with a 2.5-km-wide summit caldera. Fissure-fed lava flows occur on both the eastern and western flanks of the volcano, but are more prominent on the western side. Although the 1666-m-high volcano has erupted during historical time, it has been less active than other volcanoes of Iceland's eastern volcanic zone, and relatively few Holocene lava flows are known. The sole historical eruption of Eyjafjöll, prior to an eruption in 2010, produced intermediate-to-silicic tephra from the central caldera during December 1821 to January 1823. NE Iceland:Myvatn Krafla This region is essentially the northern part of the Mid Atlantic ridge as it crosses Iceland. A large fissure 100km long and 10 km wide has been active for 600,000 years with a main vent around the Krafla central volcano. The volcano is 25km wide with a 6km caldera with a geothermal field. The lavas erupted here include palagonite,basalt,rhyolite and andesite. The last two are more likely to be found in a subduction zone setting but here they provide a welcome break from dark basalts with reds and oranges. 8000 years ago an eruption dammed the Laxa river to create the shallow Lake Myvatn which now provides a haven for birds. 3000 years ago the Hverfjall eruptions caused a large explosion as magma interacted with the lake causing a number of craters the largest of which is called Hverfjall. This classed as a tuff ring. From 1724 to 1729 the Myvatn Fires eruption started with a bang as they created the Viti or Hells crater . An 13km fissure fissure poured out 9 million cubic feet of lava. From 1975-1983 the Krafla Fires eruption produced rows of fire fountains up to 50m high. The ground would inflate then subside as the lava was expelled. The Krafla fires taught geologists how the spreading at the Mid Atalntic ridge is not steady and smooth but happens in fits and starts. To the top / Uk shop / USA shop What to see and How to see it? Northern Iceland has seen of the most dramatic and recent activity in Iceland. The main sights are accessible from Icelands perimeter road but a 4WD will cope better with the tracks. Highlights of the area Krafla Central volcano : one of the most popular volcanic sites in Iceland: Geothermal sites. Namafjall Geothermal field:5km south of the Krafla caldera Lake Myvatn: Shallow lake with 50 islands and pseudo crtaers caused when lava has flowed inthe lake and exploded. Great for bird watching but lots of midges. Camping available. Viti or Hells crater : A 320m wide crater with a blue lake within the Krafla caldera on it s western rim. Leirhnjukur Hill and Solfataras : Last active in 1984 there are multi coloured deposits from steaming fumaroles, mud pots and lakes. From the bottom of the hill you can make your way along the still steaming fissures. Hverfjall tuff ring :This 163m high tuff ring with 1km wide crater is reachable by dirt track from Reykjahlio. Walk round the rim and look at the bedded tuff (ash) deposits caused by an explosion as magma entered water. Ludent crater : The crater is 1km wide and 70 m deep and was used as a training ground for Apollo astronauts including Neil Armstrong. Found along a track 5km to the SW of Hverfjall. Dimmuborgir or dark fortress: A 20m deep lava pond whichdrained lava and left behind a series of dramatic columns , benches and lava caves. Walk map available from the car park located to the SW of Hverfjall. Namafjall: A palagonite ridge with lots of steaming fumaroles and sulphur. A 30 minute climb from the road brings you to the top of the ridge which sits on to of the Mid-Atlantic ridge. Reykjahlio is the areas main town and lies on the Ne shore of Lake Mytvan the Krafla area is to the NE and tours can be picked up from here to vist all the main sites including to Dettifoss Europes most powerful waterfall. There is a Volcano Film Show in town similar to that in Rekyjavik. Geothermal Activity leaves a beautiful landscape of colour and steam but remember it is formed at very high temperatures. The ground can have an unstable crust which can give way. Stick to worn tracks ,heed the signs and don't stick you finger in to see how hot it is. Buy guides to Iceland at our Online Shop To the top / Uk shop / USA shop Southern Iceland Southern Iceland is home to the Vatnajokull glacier, Grimsvotn volcano, the Laki crater rift , Eldgja the "fire gorge" and one of Icealnds most famous volcanoes , Hekla. All the features here lie in the Eastern Rift zone of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge. The interior roads of Iceland are largely unpaved rocky tracks which a 4WD will cope with, a normal car will certainly struggle and may not cope with river crossings. Take a 4WD , a good map and ask for advice .Don't get stuck! What to see and How to see it? Lakagigar Craters / Laki 1783 On the 8 June 1783 a fissure with 130 craters opened and continued for 8 months and expelled 15km3 of lava, lava fountains up to 1400m high and vast quantities of sulphur dioxide. The ruption produced the largest volume of lava in recorded history.Grimsvotn volcano also erupted 120 million tonnes of sulphur dioxide. The eruptions had wide reaching consequences across Europe and North America due to the cooling affect of the sulphur on the climate and a poisonous sulphurous haze which affected western Europe. An estimated 23,000 British people died from poisoning. It is also thought that crop failures and food shortages in France and New England precipiated the respective revolutions. The craters lie 40km away from Kirkjubaejarklauster from where you can get a tour bus for the day or they can pick you up the next day if you wan to camp. The "road" is passable after July but is very rough with river crossings. Laki (818m) can be climbed from the car park in under an hour. A two hour walk south will bring you to crater with a lake in it. There are also lava caves and tubes. Kirkjubaejarklauster has tourist office,hotel,petrol station,supermarket and banks. To the west of the Laki craters lies Eldgja the "fire gorge" which last erupted in 935AD . It is a volcanic rift which stretches for 40km from the peak Gjatindur southwards to the Myrdalsjokull glacier. It is possible to get dropped off to climb Gjatindur then head down into the gorge which is flat bottomed . The gorge is 200m deep and 600m wide and a fiery red colour.The Ofaerufoss waterfall is worth seeing too. Which is a 2km walk from the main Eldgja carpark. To the top / Uk shop / USA shop Grimsvotn 1996 Grimsvotn lies beneath the North Western edge of the Vatnajokull Glacier. Vast subglacial lakes cover the volcano. The volcano has given us the wonderful word "jokulhlaups " which means glacier burst. In 1996 Grimsvotn erupted beneath the glacier and melted enough of the overlaying ice to lift the glacier upwards allowing an enormous flood to burst from the glacier. The main ring road was breached but thankfully no one was hurt. Its pretty diificult to see Grimsvotn, after all it is hidden under a glacier, but you can imagine its power by visiting Skaftafell National Park on the southern edge of the Vatnajokull Glacier. The "Sandur " which spreads out before the glacier is the result of the glacier bursts or jokulhlaups which flood the coastal plain with water ,ice and rocks. The flat grey plain is bleak and dramatic and the main road cuts right through it. Within the park there are numerous walks one of the easiest being to Svartifoss, where a waterfall ralls over perfect basaltic columns- great photo! More information on the park and the jokulhlaups can be picked up at the Park Headquarters and camping ground just off the main road. There is a film about the jokulhlaups. To the top / Uk shop / USA shop Hekla Hekla (1491m) is Icelands most active volcano and erupts every 10-30 years. Its eruptions can be dramatic and explosive rather than gently effusive and its layers of ash and lava make it more of a stratovolcano rather than a shield. Hekla sits on top of a 40km long and 7km wide fissure. It is a long thin mountain with steeper sides; a bit like an upturned boat. An active fault system allows the regular injection of magma which keeps Hekla alive. Hekla can erupt in Plinain style and ejetc vast quantites of ash over large distqances. In AD1104 an eruption covered every within 50km under a metre of ash. In 1947 an ash cloud from hekla reached Finland. Rhyolites are often the first lavas to be erupted and are very high in silica unlike the noraml Icealandic basalts. It is thought that the magma stored under ground separates in a magma chamber as it cools allowing the lighter silica minerals such as quartz to float to the top and hence be erupted first. Hekla is often shrouded in cloud so seeing it may be difficult so try the Visitor centre at Bruarlundi near Leirubakki. Climbing Hekla requires the proper equipment and clothing and is quite a mountain to climb with glaciers and crevasses on the top. The NE route is the easiest and starts at Skjaldbreid Hill on the Llandmannaleio dirt road 8KM eastwards of the main road. 1991 : January 17 a Plinian column 12 km into the atmosphere. Fire fountains estimated to have been 300m were produced. 2000: February 26 a fissure 7km opened up with a curtain of fire and an eruption column 11km high. To the top / Uk shop / USA shop Landmannalaugar Landmannalaugar lies 600m above sea level within the Fjallabak National Park and is the place to come if you feel like a change from endless black lava flows. The volcanic rock type is Rhyolite and the landscape is a multicoloured spectrum of reds, oranges,yellows and green. The area is the biggest Geothermal field in Iceland outside the Grimsvotn caldera. The source of the activity comes from the Tafajokull caldera 10km to the SE which last erupted in 1480.There are spectacular walks and natural thermal springs to bathe in. One of the most popular walks is the 4 day trek from Landmannalauger to Porsmork which rivals the famous Milford Track and Inca Trail for spectacular scenery. The hot spring pool, near the Lanmannaluager hut is well worth it. Access to the area is along rough tracks with river crossings so experience and a 4WD is essential. Buy guides to Iceland at our Online Shop South Western Iceland The volcanic region of South Western Iceland lies in the western rift portion of Mid-Atlantic Ridge. Most peoples first impression of Iceland is when travelling from the airport towards Rekyjavik and the road passes through a dramatic landscape of black lava flows which seem to have consumed the country. The volcanic sights of South Western Iceland are easily reachable from Rekyjavik. Roads a generally better around the capital and you are less likely to have to cross a swollen river or rough road. Many visitors complete the Golden Circle tour of Geysir, Pingvellir and Gulfoss. The Golden circle tour is probably Icelands most popular day trip from Rekyavik and takes in three sights. What to see and How to see it? Pingvellir Pingvellir (Thingvellir) National Park is the site of Icelands first parliament established in 930AD and is a flat plain surrounded by snow capped volcanoes. The site sits on the western rift zone where the European plate is pulling away from the North American plate. Sitting on the eastern side you can look westwards towards the North American plate. The Almannagja rift or gorge is the most obvious and largest illustration of the extension taking place in the crust here.There is a broad track running down the centre. Other rifts to see in include Peningagja,Flosagja and Brennugja all of which trend NE to SW across the area. Pingvallatanis Icelands largest lake at 84 km2. Water enters the lake through springs one of which is called Vellankkatla or bubbling cauldron on the north eastern shore. There are two volcanic islands in the lake called Sandey and Nesjaey.You can hire rowing boats but the wind makes it hard going. The park contains many walking paths and is fairly flat.The Park headquarters are at Leirur where there is also a petrol station and shop. Most day tours from Rekyjavik stay for a only a very short time and allow a quick walk round. Geysir and Strokkur This the home of the orignal Geysir which started up in the 1300s but unfortunately The Great Geysir has stopped performing and relies on its neighbour Strokkur to put on a show for visitors. Eruptions occurred when boiling water below cooler water exploded out of a narrow conduit . Now Geysir only performs on National days when soap is used to reduce surface tension and cause an eruption. Strokkur nearby shoots water upwards 20m every 3-5minutes and gives you an idea of what Geysir was like. If you are on a tour you will only get a very short time here , but the swirling steam makes it a mysterious place to be and worth a little longer. There are coloured hot springs, steaming vents and colourful algae and minerals to look at too! Gulfoss Gulfoss or Golden falls are near Geysir. The river Hvita falls 32 m over a two step fall within a 70m deep canyon. It can be a thunderous and damp place and gets its name from the rainbows that occur when the sun shines. Its fullest spate is with the spring snow melt from the Langjokull Glacier. Blue Lagoon After all that trekking round Iceland the Blue Lagoon at Grindavik is the perfect place to soak your bones in warm Geothermal waters. Although sitting next to Svartsengi Geothermal power staion this is pollution free energy and all naturally generated heat and really very pleasant. The waters are said to be excellent for skin conditions and is a popular tourist spot. www.bluelagoon.com Buy guides to Iceland at our Online Shop To the top / Uk shop / USA shop Vestmann islands The 18 Vestmann islands lie of the the SW coast of Iceland and are owe their origin to a 30km fissure trending SW to NE which is part of the Mid-Atlantic ridge. Heimaey is the only populated island with around 4500 residents most of whom are involved in the fishing industry. The islands are famous for their birdlife with an estimated 2 000 000 pufins in residence. The volcanic island of Surtsey is nearby but not accessible to the casual visitor as it a natural reserve. Eldfell:Heimaey 1973 Eldfell is a cinder cone 200m high on the island of Heimay in the Vestmann islands off the south est cost of Iceland. At 1.55am on the 23 january a fissure 1800m long opened up from one shore to the other. A curtain of fire and lava shot into the air 200m only 1km from the only town of Vestmannaeyjir. The population were evacuated by the fishing fleet. Houses were soon buried in tephra and the lava started advancing towards the towns harbour which was vital for the towns fishing fleet and livelyhood. The population were determined to save their harbour and pumped millions of tonnes of sea water onto the advancing lava front to cool the advancing flow. It worked and the lava flow in the end enhanced the harbour entrance. What to see and How to see it? There is car/passenger ferry from Porlakshofn to the main island. Either drive or get the bus from the BSI bus station in Rekyjavik. The trip takes 2.45 hoursand can take up to 50 cars and 500 passengers. Or a short flight can be taken. The volcanic cone of Eldfell is just outside Vestmannaeyjar ,the main town, and is accessible by a loose ash path up to the 221m crater. The ground is still steaming and you can see how the lava flows from the eruption invaded the town. You can aslo vist the harbour and see how the entrance was improvedby the lava flow. There is a folk museum and Volcanic film show in town. In the east of the island the Kirkjubaejarhraun lava fields are worth a trip. Buy guides to Iceland at our Online Shop Iceland Links Global Volcanism project USGS: Iceland Iceland.is To the top / Uk shop / USA shop	Arni Einarsson, Myvatn Research Station
Tenerife Tenerife lies within the The Canaries islands 70 miles off the west coast of Africa in the Atlantic Ocean. Teide is the highest mountain in Spain at 3715m but stands 7000m above the sea bed. Teide is the third largest volcano on the planet by volume. The Geology bit Mt. Teide is a stratovolcano topped by the Las Canadas caldera. The caldera is 7-12 miles (12-20 km) and partially filled by various vents. The volcanoes started to from 150-180ma years ago when the Atlantic Ocean formed.However their origin is up for discussion. They lie away from an active plate boundary so it is thought that an intermittant supply of lava comes from a hot spot or mantle plume. Extension in the crust may let the magma rise to the surface but supply may cease if extension happening. This may account for the longer periods of inactivity. Teide last erupted in 1909 and is a shield volcano with a high level caldera. The volcanics are simalr to those of hawaii with basaltic lavas dominating. What to see and How to see it? Teide is a volcano accessible to most and a cable car runs from the roadside at 2366m to near the top at 3555m . Access to the summit is restricted but a free permit is available from the Park office in Santa Cruz allowing you to climb the last 200m. Car to the bottom of the cable car is most people choice just be aware of the sudden change in altitude could make some feel light headed. It will be chilly and windy at the top and you will be above the clouds. A Bus also runs from Peuerto Cruz and Playa de las Americas. Numerous bus tour companies will take you out on a day trip from your local resort. Buy equipment and guides at our Online Shop Tenerife Links Volcanoworld Stromboli online : Tenerife To the top / Uk shop / USA shop
Lanzarote Lanzarote like Tenerife owes its landscape entirely to volcanic activity. Unlike Tenerife there is no monumental peak such as Teide but there is the spectacular Timanfaya National Park. Timanfaya National Park is home to Lanzarotes most recent volcanic landscapes. In September 1730 a fissure eruption started which was to last for 6 years and bury 11 villages. 200 sq km of land was covered and the lava poured into the sea along 20km of coastline. The Geology Bit Lanzarote like Tenerife owes its landscape entirely to volcanic activity. Unlike Tenerife there is no monumental peak such as Teide but there is the spectacular Timanfaya National Park. The volcanoes started to from 150-180ma years ago when the Atlantic Ocean formed.However their origin is up for discussion. They lie away from an active plate boundary so it is thought that an intermittant supply of lava comes from a hot spot or mantle plume. Extension in the crust may let the magma rise to the surface but supply may cease if extension happening. This may account for the longer periods of inactivity. To the top / Uk shop / USA shop What to see and How to see it? The Montanas del Fuego complex within the National park is where most people head to to experience Timanfaya. You pay an admission fee a the park entrance which covers the guided bus tour.A paved road leads across lava fields to a sloping car park. From here you can take the bus tour with commentary in English, German and Spanish around the volcanic landscape 9.00-5.45 everyday last tour 5pm. You can't drive round yourself or get out and walk about so this is pretty much the only way to see the landscape. Two "hot holes" in the ground near the restaurant show how hot the ground here is by setting fire to branches and erupting steam. The restuarant cooks meat on the naturally hot rocks and provides a fantastic panorama of the park. Off course being Lanzarote it will be windy outside! Timanfayas visitor centre is on the northern limit of the park on the road to Mancha Blanca . Its pretty good on the geology and volcanoes plus it has sections on wildlife. Toilets here. Buy equipment and guides at our Online Shop Lanzarote Links Global Volcanism project Discover Lanzarote.com To the top / Uk shop / USA shop

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