Krafla
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| Krafla | |
|---|---|
 Krafla in 1984 |
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| Elevation | 650 metres (2,133 ft) |
| Location | Iceland |
| Coordinates | |
| Type | Caldera |
| Last eruption | 1984 |
Krafla is a volcanic system with a diameter of about 20 km in the north of Iceland in the Mývatn region. Its highest peak reaches up to 818 m.
Krafla includes one of the two Víti craters of Iceland, the second is part of Askja. The Icelandic word "víti" means "hell". In former times, people often believed hell to be under volcanoes. The volcano Hekla was also held for hell during the Middle Ages. The crater Víti near Krafla most recently erupted in 1976. In its center is a blue lake.
The Krafla area also includes Námafjall, a volcanic active area with hot springs.
During the years 1724-29 and in 1746, there were the so-called Mývatn fires. A lot of fissures opened up and the lava fountains could be seen even in the south of the island. A big lava flow destroyed parts of the village Reykjahlíð, but most of the inhabitants survived having been in the church which lies on an elevation of terrain.
The last volcanic eruption at Krafla took place in 1984.
Since 1977 the geothermal energy has been put to use by means of a small power station.
 Krafla volcanic area |
 Lava flow during a rift eruption at Krafla volcano, northern Iceland, in 1984. |
[edit] See also
- Geography of Iceland
- Lakes of Iceland
- List of volcanoes in Iceland
- Volcanoes of Iceland
- Geothermal power in Iceland
[edit] External links
Photos: Námaskarð,Leirhnjúkur
