About Snaefellsjokull
Snaefellsjokull is a stratovolcano rising to 1,446 meters (4,744 feet) in Iceland's Atlantic Ocean Volcanic Regions. Its last known eruption was in 200 CE. The volcano has produced 10 recorded eruptions, with a maximum Volcanic Explosivity Index (VEI) of 2.
Geography & Climate
Snaefellsjokull is located in Iceland, within the Iceland Neovolcanic Rift Volcanic Province of the broader Atlantic Ocean Volcanic Regions. Situated at 64.80° N, 23.78° W in the Northern Hemisphere, the volcano lies within a subarctic climate zone. With a summit elevation of 1,446 meters above sea level, Snaefellsjokull 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
Snaefellsjokull 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 Snaefellsjokull 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.
Eruption History Summary
Snaefellsjokull has 10 recorded eruptions in the geological database, spanning from 8460 BCE to 200 CE. The most powerful recorded event was an explosive event producing ash plumes up to several kilometers in 1000 BCE, reaching VEI 2 on the Volcanic Explosivity Index. This level of eruptive frequency indicates a persistently active volcanic system that warrants ongoing monitoring.
Significance
With 10 recorded eruptions, Snaefellsjokull has a substantial eruptive history that provides valuable data for understanding volcanic behavior and assessing future hazards in the Atlantic Ocean Volcanic Regions region.
GVP Reference Summary
Ice-clad Snaefellsjökull volcano anchors the western tip of the isolated Snaefellsnes Peninsula in western Iceland. Numerous pyroclastic cones dot the flanks of this stratovolcano, the only large central volcano in this part of Iceland. Lower-flank craters produced basaltic lava flows and upper-flank craters intermediate-to-silicic material. Holocene lava flows extend to the sea over the entire western half of the volcano. Several Holocene silicic eruptions have originated from the summit crater. The latest dated eruption took place about 1750 years ago; several lava flows may be even younger.
— Smithsonian Institution, Global Volcanism Program
10 Recorded Eruptions
| Year | VEI | Type | Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| 200 | — | Confirmed Eruption | — |
| 1000 BCE | 2 | Confirmed Eruption | NW flank (Raudhólar) |
| 2010 BCE | — | Confirmed Eruption | — |
| 2270 BCE | 0 | Confirmed Eruption | South flank (Thufuhraun) |
| 2400 BCE | 2 | Confirmed Eruption | NE flank (800 m) |
| 2970 BCE | 0 | Confirmed Eruption | SE flank (Dagverdarahraun) |
| 4050 BCE | 0 | Confirmed Eruption | West flank (Ondverdarnesholar) |
| 4550 BCE | 2 | Confirmed Eruption | East of Snaefellsjökull (Budaklettur) |
| 6050 BCE | — | Confirmed Eruption | — |
| 8460 BCE | — | Confirmed Eruption | — |
Real-Time Data
USGS Alert Level
Thermal Anomalies
Frequently Asked Questions About Snaefellsjokull
Is Snaefellsjokull an active volcano?+
Snaefellsjokull is not currently classified as active. Its activity evidence is listed as "Eruption Dated." The last known eruption was in 200 CE. However, no volcano is ever considered permanently extinct.
When did Snaefellsjokull last erupt?+
The most recent recorded eruption of Snaefellsjokull occurred in 200 CE. The eruption was classified as a "Confirmed Eruption." Snaefellsjokull has 10 recorded eruptions in total.
How high is Snaefellsjokull?+
Snaefellsjokull has a summit elevation of 1,446 meters (4,744 feet) above sea level. At 1,446 meters, it is a moderately sized volcanic peak, roughly comparable to Mount Vesuvius (1,281m).
What type of volcano is Snaefellsjokull?+
Snaefellsjokull 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 Snaefellsjokull located?+
Snaefellsjokull 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 64.800° latitude, -23.783° longitude.
Is it safe to visit Snaefellsjokull?+
Snaefellsjokull 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.
