Basaltic eruption, Heimaey, Iceland, 1973

49 years on

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. Sample I-4 collected (and photos 3-8 taken) on 28 July 2022.

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

A young volcanic landscape in the Vestmann Islands archipelago

IN PREP.

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

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.

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

REFERENCES

xxx B+P, T+H...

IN PREP.

DRAFT version, Graham Wilson, 02-03 February 2026

For further information, see:

Rock of the Month Thematic Index

or, visit the Turnstone "Rock of the Month" Chronological Archives!