About Fagradalsfjall
Fagradalsfjall is a fissure vent rising to 250 meters (820 feet) in Iceland's Atlantic Ocean Volcanic Regions. The volcano is currently active, with its most recent eruption in 2023 CE. The volcano has produced 3 recorded eruptions.
Geography & Climate
Fagradalsfjall is located in Iceland, within the Iceland Neovolcanic Rift Volcanic Province of the broader Atlantic Ocean Volcanic Regions. Situated at 63.90° N, 22.26° W in the Northern Hemisphere, the volcano lies within a subarctic climate zone. At just 250 meters above sea level, Fagradalsfjall 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
Fagradalsfjall 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 Fagradalsfjall 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
Fagradalsfjall has 3 recorded eruptions in the geological database, spanning from 2021 CE to 2023 CE. These eruptions span roughly 2 years of volcanic history. With eruptive activity as recently as 2023 CE, Fagradalsfjall remains an actively monitored volcano.
GVP Reference Summary
Although the Fagradalsfjall fissure swarm has previously been considered a split or secondary swarm of the Krýsuvík–Trölladyngja volcanic system, as of September 2022 Icelandic volcanologists managing the Catalogue of Icelandic Volcanoes made the decision to identify it as a distinct separate system. The recent eruptions and related reports have been reassigned here, and other content will be prepared and adjusted as appropriate.
— Smithsonian Institution, Global Volcanism Program
3 Recorded Eruptions
| Year | VEI | Type | Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 0 | Confirmed Eruption | — |
| 2022 | 0 | Confirmed Eruption | — |
| 2021 | 0 | Confirmed Eruption | — |
Real-Time Data
USGS Alert Level
Thermal Anomalies
Frequently Asked Questions About Fagradalsfjall
Is Fagradalsfjall an active volcano?+
Yes, Fagradalsfjall is considered an active volcano. Its most recent eruption was in 2023 CE. The volcano is monitored by geological agencies, and its activity status is based on observed eruptions within recorded history.
When did Fagradalsfjall last erupt?+
The most recent recorded eruption of Fagradalsfjall occurred in 2023 CE with a Volcanic Explosivity Index (VEI) of 0. The eruption was classified as a "Confirmed Eruption." Fagradalsfjall has 3 recorded eruptions in total.
How high is Fagradalsfjall?+
Fagradalsfjall has a summit elevation of 250 meters (820 feet) above sea level. At 250 meters, it is a relatively low-elevation volcano.
What type of volcano is Fagradalsfjall?+
Fagradalsfjall is classified as a Fissure vent. Fissure vent volcanoes have distinct geological characteristics that set them apart from other volcanic types.
Where is Fagradalsfjall located?+
Fagradalsfjall 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 63.895° latitude, -22.258° longitude.
Is it safe to visit Fagradalsfjall?+
Visiting Fagradalsfjall requires checking current volcanic activity and alert levels. As an active volcano with eruptions as recent as 2023 CE, conditions can change rapidly. Always consult local geological authorities and follow official warnings before visiting. Many active volcanoes have designated safe viewing areas and guided tour options.
