About Ljosufjoll
Ljosufjoll is a volcanic field rising to 1,063 meters (3,488 feet) in Iceland's Atlantic Ocean Volcanic Regions. Its last known eruption was in 960 CE. The volcano has produced 5 recorded eruptions, with a maximum Volcanic Explosivity Index (VEI) of 3.
Geography & Climate
Ljosufjoll is located in Iceland, within the Iceland Neovolcanic Rift Volcanic Province of the broader Atlantic Ocean Volcanic Regions. Situated at 64.90° N, 22.48° W in the Northern Hemisphere, the volcano lies within a subarctic climate zone. With a summit elevation of 1,063 meters above sea level, Ljosufjoll is a moderately sized peak that remains accessible to hikers and researchers for much of the year. The volcanic landform is characterized as a cluster, which describes the physical shape and structure of the volcanic edifice as observed from the surface.
Geological Context
Ljosufjoll is situated along a rift zone, where tectonic plates are pulling apart. As the crust thins and fractures, magma rises to fill the gap, creating volcanic activity. Rift volcanism typically produces more fluid lava flows rather than explosive blasts, which means communities near Ljosufjoll in Iceland generally face slower-moving hazards like lava flows and ground fissures rather than sudden pyroclastic events. However, rift volcanoes can still generate significant ash emissions and gas releases that affect local air quality. The dominant rock type is basalt / picro-basalt, a dark, fine-grained volcanic rock that forms from rapidly cooling, low-viscosity lava. Basaltic eruptions tend to be less explosive and produce fluid lava flows that can travel long distances. While less immediately dangerous than explosive eruptions, basaltic lava flows can destroy structures and infrastructure in their path, and volcanic gases released during these eruptions can affect air quality over a wide area.
Eruption History Summary
Ljosufjoll has 5 recorded eruptions in the geological database, spanning from 7050 BCE to 960 CE. The most powerful recorded event was a severe eruption capable of regional ash fall and pyroclastic flows in 2050 BCE, reaching VEI 3 on the Volcanic Explosivity Index. This eruption frequency indicates a moderately active volcanic system with periodic reawakenings.
Significance
With a maximum recorded VEI of 3, Ljosufjoll has produced eruptions capable of generating pyroclastic flows and significant ash fall in the surrounding area. While not among the largest eruptions globally, VEI 3 events pose serious hazards to local populations and can disrupt regional air travel. With 5 recorded eruptions on file, Ljosufjoll has enough documented activity to help scientists identify patterns in its eruptive behavior.
GVP Reference Summary
The Ljósufjöll volcanic system at the eastern end of the Snaefellsnes Peninsula is composed of a group of alkali olivine basaltic cinder cones and lava flows along short fissures on a roughly 90-km-long WNW-ESE line. The volcanic field is about 20 km wide at the eastern end and narrows to about 10 km on the west. It contains the largest outcrops of silicic rhyolitic and trachytic rocks in the Snaefellsnes volcanic zone, erupted during the mid- to late Pleistocene. Youthful-looking cinder cones and lava flows with morphologically pristine surfaces suggest numerous Holocene eruptions. The latest eruption post-dated the settlement of Iceland, and took place about 1,000 years ago.
— Smithsonian Institution, Global Volcanism Program
5 Recorded Eruptions
| Year | VEI | Type | Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| 960 | 2 | Confirmed Eruption | Raudhalsar |
| 665 BCE | 2 | Confirmed Eruption | Ytri and Stóri Raudamelskula |
| 1750 BCE | 2 | Confirmed Eruption | Grábrók |
| 2050 BCE | 3 | Confirmed Eruption | Krothraunskula, Raudakúla, Graakula |
| 7050 BCE | 2 | Confirmed Eruption | Eldborg |
Real-Time Data
USGS Alert Level
Thermal Anomalies
Frequently Asked Questions About Ljosufjoll
Is Ljosufjoll an active volcano?+
Ljosufjoll is not currently classified as active. Its activity evidence is listed as "Eruption Dated." The last known eruption was in 960 CE. However, no volcano is ever considered permanently extinct.
When did Ljosufjoll last erupt?+
The most recent recorded eruption of Ljosufjoll occurred in 960 CE with a Volcanic Explosivity Index (VEI) of 2. The eruption was classified as a "Confirmed Eruption." Ljosufjoll has 5 recorded eruptions in total.
How high is Ljosufjoll?+
Ljosufjoll has a summit elevation of 1,063 meters (3,488 feet) above sea level. At 1,063 meters, it is a moderately sized volcanic peak, roughly comparable to Mount Vesuvius (1,281m).
What type of volcano is Ljosufjoll?+
Ljosufjoll is classified as a Volcanic field. Volcanic fields consist of clusters of small volcanic vents and cinder cones spread across a region. Rather than a single central vent, eruptions can occur at many points across the field.
Where is Ljosufjoll located?+
Ljosufjoll is located in Iceland, in the Atlantic Ocean Volcanic Regions. More specifically, it lies within the Iceland Neovolcanic Rift Volcanic Province. Its exact coordinates are 64.900° latitude, -22.483° longitude.
Is it safe to visit Ljosufjoll?+
Ljosufjoll can generally be visited, but as with any volcano, visitors should check local conditions and any advisory notices before traveling. Iceland may have specific regulations for accessing volcanic areas. Guided tours are often the safest and most informative way to experience a volcano.
