Basaltic eruption, Heimaey, Iceland, 1973

49 years on

Heimaey basalt [376 kb] Heimaey basalt [364 kb]

Figs. 1-2: Two views of this month's sample showing (left) a profile through the sample and (right) the rusty top of the piece.


"Rock of the Month # 296, posted for February 2026" ---

A young volcanic landscape in the Vestmann Islands archipelago

IN PREP.

Heimaey basalt [465 kb]

Heimaey basalt [559 kb]

Figs. 3-4: The landscape of Heimaey ... Above: the volcanic centres seen from town. Below: a view from Eldfell down towards the town.


IN PREP. xxx

Heimaey basalt [733 kb] Heimaey basalt [602 kb]

Figs. 5-6: Sample location (left) and the harbour entrance (right), which survived the eruption which threatened to seal it off and ruin the local maritime economy.


Heimaey basalt [636 kb] Heimaey basalt [260 kb

Figs. 7-8: The landscape of Heimaey ... Left: a second view of thge edge of town, showing how close the neighbourhood came to destruction. Right: the dramatic seascape, with young volcanic isles standing above the waters of the North Atlantic ocean.


REFERENCES

xxx

IN PREP.

DRAFT version, Graham Wilson, 02 February 2026

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