About Heidarspordar
Heidarspordar is a fissure vent rising to 490 meters (1,608 feet) in Iceland's Atlantic Ocean Volcanic Regions. Its last known eruption dates to 300 BCE, in prehistoric times. The volcano has produced 7 recorded eruptions, with a maximum Volcanic Explosivity Index (VEI) of 2.
Geography & Climate
Heidarspordar is located in Iceland, within the Iceland Neovolcanic Rift Volcanic Province of the broader Atlantic Ocean Volcanic Regions. Situated at 65.58° N, 16.82° W in the Northern Hemisphere, the volcano lies within a subarctic climate zone. At just 490 meters above sea level, Heidarspordar 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
Heidarspordar 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 Heidarspordar 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
Heidarspordar has 7 recorded eruptions in the geological database, spanning from 7850 BCE to 300 BCE. The most powerful recorded event was an explosive event producing ash plumes up to several kilometers in 300 BCE, reaching VEI 2 on the Volcanic Explosivity Index. This eruption frequency indicates a moderately active volcanic system with periodic reawakenings.
Significance
With 7 recorded eruptions on file, Heidarspordar has enough documented activity to help scientists identify patterns in its eruptive behavior.
GVP Reference Summary
The Heiðarsporðar volcanic system in the Northern Volcanic Zone is about 22 km long, consisting of a fissure swarm and a central volcano. It is embryonic, starting to develop in the marginal area of two adjacent fissure areas, Krafla and Fremrinámar, producing large-volume eruptions. No geothermal activity is present. Magma composition ranges from olivine-tholeiite through tholeiitic basalt and basaltic andesite to dacite. Characteristic activity consists of effusive basaltic eruptions and small predominantly effusive silicic eruptions. It has shown rather low activity in the Holocene but has produced substantial basaltic lava flows. Two eruptive periods have occurred in Holocene time separated by over 8,000 years. The last eruption took place about 2,200 years ago, producing a lava flow covering about 220 km2 and extending 60 km from source.
— Smithsonian Institution, Global Volcanism Program
7 Recorded Eruptions
| Year | VEI | Type | Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| 300 BCE | 2 | Confirmed Eruption | Threngslaborgir-Ludentsborgir crater row |
| 4050 BCE | 0 | Confirmed Eruption | Ludent crater rows |
| 5750 BCE | 0 | Confirmed Eruption | Fjarborg |
| 6150 BCE | 0 | Confirmed Eruption | Drangagrundahraun |
| 6950 BCE | 0 | Confirmed Eruption | Hraunbunga |
| 7400 BCE | 0 | Confirmed Eruption | Heidarspordur |
| 7850 BCE | — | Confirmed Eruption | Ludent, Namafjall-Krofluhals |
Real-Time Data
USGS Alert Level
Thermal Anomalies
Frequently Asked Questions About Heidarspordar
Is Heidarspordar an active volcano?+
Heidarspordar is not currently classified as active. Its activity evidence is listed as "Eruption Dated." The last known eruption was in 300 BCE. However, no volcano is ever considered permanently extinct.
When did Heidarspordar last erupt?+
The most recent recorded eruption of Heidarspordar occurred in 300 BCE with a Volcanic Explosivity Index (VEI) of 2. The eruption was classified as a "Confirmed Eruption." Heidarspordar has 7 recorded eruptions in total.
How high is Heidarspordar?+
Heidarspordar has a summit elevation of 490 meters (1,608 feet) above sea level. At 490 meters, it is a relatively low-elevation volcano.
What type of volcano is Heidarspordar?+
Heidarspordar is classified as a Fissure vent. Fissure vent volcanoes have distinct geological characteristics that set them apart from other volcanic types.
Where is Heidarspordar located?+
Heidarspordar 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 65.583° latitude, -16.817° longitude.
Is it safe to visit Heidarspordar?+
Heidarspordar 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.
