About Kolbeinsey Ridge
Kolbeinsey Ridge is a fissure vent rising to 5 meters (16 feet) in Iceland's Atlantic Ocean Volcanic Regions. Its last known eruption was in 1755 CE. The volcano has produced 2 recorded eruptions, with a maximum Volcanic Explosivity Index (VEI) of 2.
Geography & Climate
Kolbeinsey Ridge is located in Iceland, within the Arctic Ridge Volcanic Province of the broader Atlantic Ocean Volcanic Regions. Situated at 66.67° N, 18.50° W in the Northern Hemisphere, the volcano lies within a polar climate zone. At just 5 meters above sea level, Kolbeinsey Ridge is a relatively low-elevation volcanic feature. Despite its modest height, it remains an active geological formation with the same underlying magmatic processes as its taller counterparts. 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
Kolbeinsey Ridge 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 Kolbeinsey Ridge 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
Kolbeinsey Ridge has 2 recorded eruptions in the geological database, spanning from 1372 CE to 1755 CE. The most powerful recorded event was an explosive event producing ash plumes up to several kilometers in 1372 CE, reaching VEI 2 on the Volcanic Explosivity Index. These eruptions span roughly 383 years of volcanic history.
GVP Reference Summary
A submarine eruption was reported in 1372 CE near the Kolbeinsey Ridge NW of Grimsey Island. Kolbeinsey Island, the only subaerial expression of this portion of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, is a small, rapidly eroding island that formed during the late Pleistocene or Holocene. Dredged glass shards indicate submarine eruptive activity during the late-Pleistocene until at least 11,800 radiocarbon years ago. The island was 700 m long in 1616 CE, but had shrunk to 42 m long and 5 m high by 1985. The Kolbeinsey Hydrothermal Field lies south of the island. Thorarinsson (1965) roughly plotted the location of the 1372 eruption at about 66°40'N. Reidel et al. (2003) note that the location is uncertain, but could lie between the Kolbeinsey Ridge and Hóll Seamount. Other reports of submarine eruptions north of Iceland have an even more uncertain location (1755) or have been discredited (1783 and 1838).
— Smithsonian Institution, Global Volcanism Program
2 Recorded Eruptions
| Year | VEI | Type | Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1755 | — | Confirmed Eruption | Volcano Uncertain: north of Iceland |
| 1372 | 2 | Confirmed Eruption | NW of Grimsey Island |
Real-Time Data
USGS Alert Level
Thermal Anomalies
Frequently Asked Questions About Kolbeinsey Ridge
Is Kolbeinsey Ridge an active volcano?+
Kolbeinsey Ridge is classified as active based on credible evidence of past eruptions. Although its last known eruption was in 1755 CE, volcanologists consider it capable of erupting again.
When did Kolbeinsey Ridge last erupt?+
The most recent recorded eruption of Kolbeinsey Ridge occurred in 1755 CE. The eruption was classified as a "Confirmed Eruption." Kolbeinsey Ridge has 2 recorded eruptions in total.
How high is Kolbeinsey Ridge?+
Kolbeinsey Ridge has a summit elevation of 5 meters (16 feet) above sea level. At 5 meters, it is a relatively low-elevation volcano.
What type of volcano is Kolbeinsey Ridge?+
Kolbeinsey Ridge is classified as a Fissure vent. Fissure vent volcanoes have distinct geological characteristics that set them apart from other volcanic types.
Where is Kolbeinsey Ridge located?+
Kolbeinsey Ridge is located in Iceland, in the Atlantic Ocean Volcanic Regions. More specifically, it lies within the Arctic Ridge Volcanic Province. Its exact coordinates are 66.670° latitude, -18.500° longitude.
Is it safe to visit Kolbeinsey Ridge?+
Kolbeinsey Ridge 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.
