About Esjufjoll
Esjufjoll is a stratovolcano rising to 1,620 meters (5,315 feet) in Iceland's Atlantic Ocean Volcanic Regions. No historical eruptions have been recorded, though the volcano is classified based on geological evidence of past activity. The volcano has produced 1 recorded eruption, with a maximum Volcanic Explosivity Index (VEI) of 1.
Geography & Climate
Esjufjoll is located in Iceland, within the Iceland Neovolcanic Rift Volcanic Province of the broader Atlantic Ocean Volcanic Regions. Situated at 64.25° N, 16.58° W in the Northern Hemisphere, the volcano lies within a subarctic climate zone. With a summit elevation of 1,620 meters above sea level, Esjufjoll 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
Esjufjoll 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 Esjufjoll 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
Esjufjoll has 1 recorded eruption in the geological database, spanning from 1927 CE to 1927 CE. The most powerful recorded event was a gentle, effusive event in 1927 CE, reaching VEI 1 on the Volcanic Explosivity Index. The most recent eruption in 1927 CE places this volcano within the modern era of volcanological observation.
GVP Reference Summary
The subglacial Esjufjöll volcano at the SE part of the Vatnajökull icecap, north of Öraefajökull, consists of the Snaehetta central volcano and a large caldera. Most of the volcano, including the 40 km2 caldera, is covered by ice, but parts of the SE flank are exposed in NW-SE ridges. Most of the exposed rocks are mildly alkaline basalts, but small amounts of rhyolitic rocks are also present. A large jökulhlaup that came down the Jokulsa a Breidamerkursandi along the coast SE of Vatnajökull in the beginning of September 1927 was accompanied by a sulfur odor, and one ashfall event on the Breidamerkurjökull possibly originated from Esjufjöll. Although Holocene eruptions have not been confirmed, earthquake swarms that could indicate magma movements were detected in October 2002.
— Smithsonian Institution, Global Volcanism Program
1 Recorded Eruption
| Year | VEI | Type | Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1927 | 1 | Uncertain Eruption | — |
Real-Time Data
USGS Alert Level
Thermal Anomalies
Frequently Asked Questions About Esjufjoll
Is Esjufjoll an active volcano?+
Esjufjoll is not currently classified as active. Its activity evidence is listed as "Unrest / Holocene." No recorded eruptions have been documented. However, no volcano is ever considered permanently extinct.
When did Esjufjoll last erupt?+
The most recent recorded eruption of Esjufjoll occurred in 1927 CE with a Volcanic Explosivity Index (VEI) of 1. The eruption was classified as a "Uncertain Eruption." Esjufjoll has 1 recorded eruption in total.
How high is Esjufjoll?+
Esjufjoll has a summit elevation of 1,620 meters (5,315 feet) above sea level. At 1,620 meters, it is a moderately sized volcanic peak, roughly comparable to Mount Vesuvius (1,281m).
What type of volcano is Esjufjoll?+
Esjufjoll 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 Esjufjoll located?+
Esjufjoll 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 64.250° latitude, -16.583° longitude.
Is it safe to visit Esjufjoll?+
Esjufjoll 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.
