Esjufjöll
| Esjufjöll | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 1,760 m (5,770 ft) |
| Coordinates | 64°16′N 16°39′W / 64.27°N 16.65°WCoordinates: 64°16′N 16°39′W / 64.27°N 16.65°W |
| Geography | |
| Location | Iceland, East Iceland |
| Geology | |
| Age of rock | Holocene |
| Mountain type | Stratovolcano |
| Last eruption | 1927? |
The subglacial Esjufjöll (Icelandic pronunciation: [ˈɛːsjʏˌfjœtl̥]) volcano is located at the SE part of the Vatnajökull icecap. Esjufjöll is a strict nature reserve (IUCN category Ia)[1]
Geography[]
The mountains, actually nunataks within Vatnajökull, are located to the north of Öræfajökull volcano and of Jökulsárlón glacial lake.[2] The mountain range consists of 4 mountain massifs with three valleys in between them.[3]
The glaciers flowing around them are feeding Breiðamerkurjökull and in the end Jökulsárlón.[3]
Volcanism[]
Esjufjöll are a small volcanic system and as such part of Iceland's .[4] Also part of this zone are Öræfajökull and Snæfell (north of Vatnajökull).[5]
The volcanic system consists of the central volcano with a large caldera. Most of the volcano, including the 40 km2 caldera, is covered by the icecap. On the other hand are parts of the SE flank exposed in NW-SE-trending ridges.[6] Most of the exposed rocks are mildly alkaline basalts, but one may also find small amounts of rhyolitic rocks.[6]
In the beginning of September 1927, a jökulhlaup came down the Jökulsá á Breiðamerkursandi. The glacier run was accompanied by a sulfur stench. On one occasion, ash fall on the Breiðamerkurjökull was thought to have possibly originated from Esjufjöll.[6] Although Holocene eruptions have not been confirmed from Esjufjöll, earthquake swarms that could indicate magma movements were detected in October 2002, and recently in October 2010.[6]
Mountaineering[]
Ari Trausti Guðmundsson proposes a mountaineering tour crossing Breiðamerkurjökull and up on Lyngbrekkutindur.[3]
See also[]
References[]
- ^ Stjórnunar- og verndaráætlun Vatnajökulsþjóðgarðs, 2. útgáfa, 2013. p. 12. [1]
- ^ Ísland Vegaatlas. Reykajvík (Ferðakort) 2006, p.7
- ^ Jump up to: a b c Ari Trausti Guðmundsson, Pétur Þorsteinsson: Íslensk fjöll. Gönguleiðir á 151 tind. Reykjavík 2004, p. 200.
- ^ T. Thordarson, G. Larsen:Volcanism in Iceland in historical time. Volcano types, eruption types and eruption history. (2007)
- ^ See eg.: Thor Thordarson, Armann Hoskuldsson: Classic geology in Europe 3. Iceland. Harpenden 2002, p. 14
- ^ Jump up to: a b c d "Esjufjöll". Global Volcanism Program. Smithsonian Institution.
External links[]
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- Stratovolcanoes of Iceland
- Active volcanoes
- Öræfajökull Belt
- Subglacial volcanoes of Iceland
- Volcanic systems of Iceland
- Iceland geography stubs