About Prestahnukur
Prestahnukur is a fissure vent(s) rising to 1,385 meters (4,544 feet) in Iceland's Atlantic Ocean Volcanic Regions. The volcano is currently active, with its most recent eruption in 3350 BCE. The volcano has produced 3 recorded eruptions.
Geography & Climate
Prestahnukur is located in Iceland, within the Iceland Neovolcanic Rift Volcanic Province of the broader Atlantic Ocean Volcanic Regions. Situated at 64.58° N, 20.67° W in the Northern Hemisphere, the volcano lies within a subarctic climate zone. With a summit elevation of 1,385 meters above sea level, Prestahnukur 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
Prestahnukur 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 Prestahnukur 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
Prestahnukur has 3 recorded eruptions in the geological database, spanning from 7550 BCE to 3350 BCE. These eruptions span roughly 4,200 years of volcanic history.
GVP Reference Summary
The Prestahnúkur volcanic system is located on the W side of the Langjökull icecap at the west margin of the Western Volcanic Zone, and overlaps with the Hengill volcanic system north of Lake Þingvallavatn. It is about 90 km long and 15 km wide, with a subglacially erupted rhyolite peak and associated rift zones to the N and SW that have erupted during the Holocene. A large part of the volcanic system is underlain by early to mid Pleistocene plateau basalts. Olivine tholeiite basalt lava shields have erupted during the Holocene.
— Smithsonian Institution, Global Volcanism Program
3 Recorded Eruptions
| Year | VEI | Type | Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3350 BCE | 0 | Confirmed Eruption | Sköflungur |
| 6950 BCE | 0 | Confirmed Eruption | Geitlandshraun II |
| 7550 BCE | 0 | Confirmed Eruption | Skjaldbreidur |
Real-Time Data
USGS Alert Level
Thermal Anomalies
Frequently Asked Questions About Prestahnukur
Is Prestahnukur an active volcano?+
Prestahnukur is not currently classified as active. Its activity evidence is listed as "Eruption Dated." The last known eruption was in 3350 BCE. However, no volcano is ever considered permanently extinct.
When did Prestahnukur last erupt?+
The most recent recorded eruption of Prestahnukur occurred in 3350 BCE with a Volcanic Explosivity Index (VEI) of 0. The eruption was classified as a "Confirmed Eruption." Prestahnukur has 3 recorded eruptions in total.
How high is Prestahnukur?+
Prestahnukur has a summit elevation of 1,385 meters (4,544 feet) above sea level. At 1,385 meters, it is a moderately sized volcanic peak, roughly comparable to Mount Vesuvius (1,281m).
What type of volcano is Prestahnukur?+
Prestahnukur is classified as a Fissure vent(s). Fissure vent(s) volcanoes have distinct geological characteristics that set them apart from other volcanic types.
Where is Prestahnukur located?+
Prestahnukur 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 64.583° latitude, -20.666° longitude.
Is it safe to visit Prestahnukur?+
Prestahnukur 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.
