Is the Heimaey volcano active?
Eldfell is a volcanic cone just over 200 metres (660 ft) high on the Icelandic island of Heimaey. It formed in a volcanic eruption, which began without warning on the eastern side of Heimaey, in the Westman Islands, on 23 January 1973. The name means Hill of Fire in Icelandic….
| Eldfell | |
|---|---|
| Last eruption | January to June 1973 |
Where is Heimaey located?
Iceland
Heimaey is 4 nautical miles (7.4 km; 4.6 mi) off the south coast of Iceland. It is the only populated island of the Vestmannaeyjar islands, with a population of 4,414. The Vestmannaeyjar Airport and the Westman Islands Golf Club taken together cover a good portion of the island.
What was significant about the eruption on Heimaey in 1973?
Jonsdottir was 18 in January 1973 when the Eldfell volcano exploded on Heimaey, a small island 151 kilometers (94 miles) from Reykjavik, the capital of Iceland. Her childhood home was among 400 buildings engulfed as 200 million tons of ash and lava rained down in the days following the eruption.
What method was used on the Icelandic island of Heimaey to deflect the lava flow from the main town?
Efforts to halt the lava by spraying water onto its front failed due to the high mobility of this flow. Following the late March surge of lava effusion into the town, cooling of the lava by spraying sea water onto it was performed at ever increasing scale.
How long did the Heimaey eruption last?
The newly-formed Eldfell volcano erupted for about six months, covering much of Vestmannaeyjar in ash, destroying several hundred homes, and sending lava flows toward the harbor—at one point raising the water temperature to 111° F (44° C).
How do you get to Heimaey island?
Heimaey Island can be reached by ferry or commercial airline service. Eimskip operates the passenger ferry Herjolfur which can accommodate 500 passengers and 60 cars. The ferry departs from Porlakshofn which is about 1 hr Southeast of Reykjavik by car or bus.
What is Heimaey known for?
Heimaey Today The Westman Islands are renowned for being the best place in Iceland to look out for Orcas and Fin Whales. The puffins can also be seen inland, and, in August and September, even in town.
Is lava flowing in Iceland?
Authorities in Iceland have officially declared the country’s longest volcanic eruption in 50 years over. The spectacle drew hundreds of thousands of tourists to witness its lava flows.
Is Heimaey worth visiting?
It’s also one of the most beautiful. The scenery of Heimaey is truly breathtaking, from its volcanic landscape and moss-covered cliffs to its quaint houses and brightly colored roofs. Located in the Westman Islands archipelago, Heimaey is home to a single town Vestmannaeyjabær and over four thousand inhabitants.
How many people live on Heimaey?
approximately 4,000 people
Heimaey is the largest island of the Westman Islands and the only one that is inhabited. It has a population of approximately 4,000 people and a fascinating dark history.
Do I need a car in Heimaey?
In short, no, you do not need a car to visit the Westman Islands.
Do you need a car on Heimaey island?
Good to know: Heimaey island isn’t that big and everything is within walkable distance from the harbor. So you don’t have to bring a car, especially if you are only visiting for one day.
How do you get to Heimaey island Iceland?
Do I need a car on Heimaey?
Where is Heimaey island?
Heimaey is 4 nautical miles (7.4 km; 4.6 mi) off the south coast of Iceland. It is the only populated island of the Vestmannaeyjar islands, with a population of 4,500. The Vestmannaeyjar Airport and the Westman Islands Golf Club taken together cover a good portion of the island.
What happened to the island of Heimaey?
The struggles endured by the people of Heimaey would not end there, although no major incident would arise on the island for the other three centuries. When it did, however, the results were explosive. In 1973, the residents of Heimaey woke up to an eruption tearing through the middle of their town.
Where can I see seabirds in Heimaey?
Other seabirds can be seen nesting in vast, mixed colonies all around the island. Heimaey’s history, discussed in detail below, can be learnt about in the museums, with the most notable one being the Eldheimar Volcano Museum, which discusses the 1973 eruption of Eldfell.
Where are the Vestmannaeyjar islands?
The islands lie in the Southern Icelandic Volcanic Zone and have been formed by eruptions over the past 10,000–12,000 years. The volcanic system consists of 70–80 volcanoes both above and below the sea. Vestmannaeyjar comprises the following islands: