Jolnir

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Jolnir (or Jólnir) was formerly a volcanic island south of Iceland. It emerged from the ocean as a result of tectonic activity in July, 1966. Oceanic erosion cyclically wore down the new land as it formed, and the island sank below the surface several times.

It was named for Jolnir, a Norse god (usually identified as a second name for Odin).

Jolnir's formation is closely linked to that of neighboring volcanic island, Surtsey, which emerged in 1963. Volcanic eruptions occurred in much of the surrounding water, but newly formed land was subject to oceanic erosion and many small islands washed away. By 1966, Jolnir had broken the surface, and changing composition of the emerging material resulted in hardier rock forms resistant to erosion. The volcanic cone reached 70 meters above sea level, but even this landmass eventually gave way to the eroding ocean waves.

After activity ceased on 8 August 1966, it was rapidly eroded, and dropped below sea level during October 1966.

[edit] External links

• Photograph and brief description from United States Armed Forces newspaper Stars and Stripes.
• University of North Dakota page about Surtsey and Jolnir
• Brief description from Dartmouth, at the bottom.