Vatnafjöll

Vatnafjöll is a volcanic system located in southern Iceland. It is situated north of the prominent Vatnajökull ice cap, a fact that often leads to confusion in naming. The system comprises several craters and fissures, and its volcanic activity is primarily characterized by fissure eruptions. Geologically, Vatnafjöll is part of the larger Eastern Volcanic Zone, a region known for its high volcanic productivity.

The last known eruption in the Vatnafjöll system occurred in the early Holocene period, approximately 10,000 years ago. While currently considered dormant, the volcanic system is monitored by Icelandic authorities due to its potential for future activity. The landscape surrounding Vatnafjöll is rugged and shaped by past volcanic events, featuring lava fields and geothermal areas. The system's proximity to the Vatnajökull ice cap means that any future significant eruption could have implications for glacial melting and potential jökulhlaups, or glacial outburst floods. Research into Vatnafjöll contributes to understanding the broader volcanic processes in Iceland and the potential hazards associated with Iceland's active geological setting.