About Krafla
A massive volcanic caldera system in North Iceland, famous for the dramatic "Krafla Fires" eruptions and its turquoise Víti crater lake. The area remains highly active with extensive geothermal features.
🌋 Volcanic System
- 10 km wide caldera
- Part of 100 km long fissure system
- 29 eruptions in recorded history
- Active magma chamber at 3-7 km depth
📍 Location
- Near Lake Mývatn, North Iceland
- 100 km from Akureyri
- Part of Northern Volcanic Zone
- Accessible year-round by paved road
🔥 Recent Activity
- 1975-1984: Nine eruptions (Krafla Fires)
- 1724-1729: Mývatn Fires
- Ongoing inflation since 1984
- Active geothermal exploitation
The Krafla Fires (1975-1984)
Nine years of dramatic volcanic activity that reshaped the landscape and provided invaluable scientific insights into volcanic processes.
🔬 Scientific Revolution
The Krafla Fires were among the most studied eruptions in history, revolutionizing understanding of rifting processes and magma chamber behavior. Scientists documented ground inflation/deflation cycles linked to magma movement.
Eruption Pattern
- 9 separate eruptions over 9 years
- Lava fountains up to 1 km high
- 35 km² covered by new lava
- Ground inflation up to 2 meters
Impact
- No fatalities or major damage
- Threatened geothermal power plant
- Created new lava fields (Leirhnjúkur)
- Tourist attraction development