About Tjornes Fracture Zone
Tjornes Fracture Zone is a fissure vent rising to -75 meters (-246 feet) in Iceland's Atlantic Ocean Volcanic Regions. Its last known eruption was in 1868 CE. The volcano has produced 1 recorded eruption.
Geography & Climate
Tjornes Fracture Zone is located in Iceland, within the Arctic Ridge Volcanic Province of the broader Atlantic Ocean Volcanic Regions. Situated at 66.31° N, 17.12° W in the Northern Hemisphere, the volcano lies within a subarctic climate zone. With an elevation of -75 meters — below sea level — Tjornes Fracture Zone is a submarine or submerged volcanic feature. Submarine volcanoes make up the majority of Earth's volcanic activity, though most eruptions go unobserved beneath the ocean surface. 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
Tjornes Fracture Zone 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 Tjornes Fracture Zone 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
Tjornes Fracture Zone has 1 recorded eruption in the geological database, spanning from 1867 CE to 1867 CE.
GVP Reference Summary
The offshore Tjörnes Fracture Zone is an oblique transform zone that separates the northern volcanic zone of Iceland from the Kolbeinsey Ridge, part of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge north of Iceland. A submarine eruption was reported during 1867-1868 at the SE part of the fissure system off the northern coast of Iceland along the Manareyjar Ridge immediately north of Manareyjar Island.
— Smithsonian Institution, Global Volcanism Program
1 Recorded Eruption
| Year | VEI | Type | Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1867 | — | Confirmed Eruption | Immediately north of Manareyjar Island |
Real-Time Data
USGS Alert Level
Thermal Anomalies
Frequently Asked Questions About Tjornes Fracture Zone
Is Tjornes Fracture Zone an active volcano?+
Tjornes Fracture Zone is classified as active based on credible evidence of past eruptions. Although its last known eruption was in 1868 CE, volcanologists consider it capable of erupting again.
When did Tjornes Fracture Zone last erupt?+
The most recent recorded eruption of Tjornes Fracture Zone occurred in 1867 CE. The eruption was classified as a "Confirmed Eruption." Tjornes Fracture Zone has 1 recorded eruption in total.
How high is Tjornes Fracture Zone?+
Tjornes Fracture Zone has a summit elevation of -75 meters (-246 feet) above sea level. With an elevation of -75 meters (below sea level), this is a submarine or submerged volcanic feature.
What type of volcano is Tjornes Fracture Zone?+
Tjornes Fracture Zone is classified as a Fissure vent. Fissure vent volcanoes have distinct geological characteristics that set them apart from other volcanic types.
Where is Tjornes Fracture Zone located?+
Tjornes Fracture Zone is located in Iceland, in the Atlantic Ocean Volcanic Regions. More specifically, it lies within the Arctic Ridge Volcanic Province. Its exact coordinates are 66.309° latitude, -17.118° longitude.
Is it safe to visit Tjornes Fracture Zone?+
Tjornes Fracture Zone 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.
