About Fremrinamar
Fremrinamar is a stratovolcano rising to 970 meters (3,183 feet) in Iceland's Atlantic Ocean Volcanic Regions. Its last known eruption dates to 1200 BCE, in prehistoric times. The volcano has produced 4 recorded eruptions.
Geography & Climate
Fremrinamar is located in Iceland, within the Iceland Neovolcanic Rift Volcanic Province of the broader Atlantic Ocean Volcanic Regions. Situated at 65.42° N, 16.67° W in the Northern Hemisphere, the volcano lies within a subarctic climate zone. With a summit elevation of 970 meters above sea level, Fremrinamar is a moderately sized peak that remains accessible to hikers and researchers for much of the year. The volcanic landform is characterized as a composite, which describes the physical shape and structure of the volcanic edifice as observed from the surface.
Geological Context
Fremrinamar 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 Fremrinamar 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
Fremrinamar has 4 recorded eruptions in the geological database, spanning from 4050 BCE to 1200 BCE. These eruptions span roughly 2,850 years of volcanic history.
GVP Reference Summary
The Fremrinámar volcanic system, N of Askja and SE of Myvatn lake, includes the central Ketildyngja shield volcano and the Sveinar fissure swarm that extends 130 km to the north coast of Iceland. The Kerlingardyngja shield volcano to the south is early Holocene. The latest eruption produced the Burfellshraun lava flow about 3,200 years ago that covered 75 km2.
— Smithsonian Institution, Global Volcanism Program
4 Recorded Eruptions
| Year | VEI | Type | Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1200 BCE | — | Confirmed Eruption | Kraeduborgir (Burfellshraun) |
| 2300 BCE | 0 | Confirmed Eruption | Ketildyngja |
| 4000 BCE | 0 | Confirmed Eruption | Kerlingardyngja |
| 4050 BCE | — | Confirmed Eruption | Sveinar (Rauduborgir) fissure |
Real-Time Data
USGS Alert Level
Thermal Anomalies
Frequently Asked Questions About Fremrinamar
Is Fremrinamar an active volcano?+
Fremrinamar is not currently classified as active. Its activity evidence is listed as "Eruption Dated." The last known eruption was in 1200 BCE. However, no volcano is ever considered permanently extinct.
When did Fremrinamar last erupt?+
The most recent recorded eruption of Fremrinamar occurred in 1200 BCE. The eruption was classified as a "Confirmed Eruption." Fremrinamar has 4 recorded eruptions in total.
How high is Fremrinamar?+
Fremrinamar has a summit elevation of 970 meters (3,183 feet) above sea level. At 970 meters, it is a relatively low-elevation volcano.
What type of volcano is Fremrinamar?+
Fremrinamar is classified as a Stratovolcano. Stratovolcanoes (also called composite volcanoes) are steep, conical volcanoes built up by many layers of hardened lava, tephra, and volcanic ash. They are among the most common and dangerous types, known for explosive eruptions.
Where is Fremrinamar located?+
Fremrinamar 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 65.416° latitude, -16.666° longitude.
Is it safe to visit Fremrinamar?+
Fremrinamar 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.
