Eldey Volcano
Updated: May 25, 2025 09:08 GMT -
submarine volcano
Reykjanes Ridge, Iceland, 63.73°N / -23°W 
Summit height: 70 m / 230 ft
Current status: normal or dormant (1 out of 5)
Last update: 12 Oct 2023 (Smithsonian / USGS Weekly Volcanic Activity Report)
The Eldey volcanic system is located on the northernmost part of the Reykjanes Ridge and is submarine with the exception of Eldey Island and the skerries (small rocky islands) Eldeyjardrangur, Geirfugladrangur, and Geirfuglasker.
Maximum water depth within the system is about 250 m. Eldey has been moderately active in Holocene time. Characteristic activity consists of explosive submarine basaltic eruptions. Six small eruptions have been located within this system during the last 1,100 years, the last occurring in 1926 CE.
[smaller] [larger]
Eldey volcano eruptions: 1926, 1884(?), 1879, 1422, 1340, 1211
Latest nearby earthquakes
| Date and Time | Mag / Depth | Distance / Location | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 25, 08:50 am (Reykjavik) | 1.9 17 km | 6.4 km (4 mi) to the W | Iceland: 4.9 km NE of Geirfuglasker | Info | |
| May 25, 08:35 am (Reykjavik) | 1.0 5.2 km | 12 km (7.4 mi) to the NW | Iceland: 10.0 km N of Geirfuglasker | Info | |
| May 25, 08:34 am (Reykjavik) | 1.9 10.5 km | 15 km (9.1 mi) to the W | Iceland: 4.6 km N of Geirfugladrangur | Info | |
| May 25, 08:29 am (Reykjavik) | 0.8 1.1 km | 15 km (9.2 mi) to the W | Iceland: 9.8 km NNW of Geirfuglasker | Info | |
| May 25, 08:27 am (Reykjavik) | 1.4 19 km | 13 km (8.1 mi) to the W | Iceland: 4.2 km NW of Geirfuglasker | Info | |
| May 25, 08:25 am (Reykjavik) | 1.1 3.4 km | 16 km (9.8 mi) to the W | Iceland: 7.3 km NNW of Geirfugladrangur | Info | |
| May 25, 08:18 am (Reykjavik) | 2.1 10.8 km | 15 km (9.3 mi) to the W | Iceland: 5.2 km N of Geirfugladrangur | Info | |
| Saturday, May 24, 2025 GMT (6 quakes) | |||||
| May 24, 03:49 pm (Reykjavik) | 4.1 12 km | 11 km (6.9 mi) to the W | Greenland Sea, 80 km southwest of Reykjavik, Capital Region, Iceland I FELT IT | Info | |
| May 24, 03:45 pm (Reykjavik) | 4.3 9.3 km | 8.7 km (5.4 mi) to the W | Iceland Region I FELT IT - 2 reports | Info | |
Significant volcanic eruptions: Eldey volcano
In the past 10,000 years, Eldey has had at least 5 confirmed eruptions, all documented by historical records or observations. There is one uncertain or discredited eruption in 1884 from Eldey volcano.
The table below lists all known eruptions (date in bold face) of Eldey volcano in historic times and during the past 10,000 years. Updates on the most recent volcanic activity of Eldey can be found on the news page of Eldey volcano.
| Date | Note | VEI | Deaths | Damage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reykjaneshryggur (NE of Eldey) Historical obs./docs. | ? | ||||
?? | Uncertain Eruption | 2? | |||
| Reykjaneshryggur (Geirfugladrangur) Historical obs./docs. | 1 | ||||
| Reykjaneshryggur (Geirfuglasker-Eldey area) Historical obs./docs. | 2 | ||||
| Reykjaneshryggur Historical obs./docs. | 3 | ||||
| Reykjaneshryggur Historical obs./docs. | 4? | ||||
Remark:
Our list of volcanic eruptions closely follows the database of eruptions of the Smithsonian's Global Volcanism Project (GVP), the internationally most recognized data source for volcanic eruptions, but also includes significant eruptive episodes or related volcano events. "Volcanic eruptions" are usually to be understood as sequences of individual eruptive episodes that can follow each other, or even overlap (if several vents are involved), and can last many years, decades or even longer. For example, the current activity of Stromboli volcano is understood as a single eruption that has been ongoing since 1934.
Sources: NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI), Global Significant Volcanic Eruptions Database. doi:10.7289/V5TD9V7K | Global Volcanism Project / Smithsonian Institution
Eldey Volcano FAQ
+When was the last eruption of Eldey volcano?
The last confirmed eruption of Eldey occurred in 1926.
+How often does Eldey volcano erupt?
Since 1211 AD, Eldey volcano has had at least 5 historically documented eruptions. This means that it erupts on average every 163 years.
+How active is Eldey volcano at present?
Eldey volcano is occasionally active: Since 1900, it has had one eruption, which occurred in 1926.
+When was the largest eruption of Eldey volcano?
The largest eruption of Eldey volcano in historic times occurred in 1211 AD. It ranks as a sub-plinian eruption with a magnitude 4 on the VEI (Volcanic Explosivity Index) scale.
Latest satellite images
Eldey Volcano Maps
Below is a selection of maps showing the location and surroundings of the volcano at various resolutions based on aerial-imagery / terrain maps. Feel free to use them for non-commercial purposes on your blog or website as long as you credit them with a link back to this page (click to copy it).
Satellite/aerial-type map of Eldey volcano (world scale)
Terrain-type map of Eldey volcano (world scale)
Satellite/aerial-type map of Eldey volcano (region scale large)
Terrain-type map of Eldey volcano (region scale large)
Satellite/aerial-type map of Eldey volcano (region scale medium)
Terrain-type map of Eldey volcano (region scale medium)
Satellite/aerial-type map of Eldey volcano (region scale small)
Terrain-type map of Eldey volcano (region scale small)
Satellite/aerial-type map of Eldey volcano (local scale large)
Terrain-type map of Eldey volcano (local scale large)
Satellite/aerial-type map of Eldey volcano (local scale medium)
Terrain-type map of Eldey volcano (local scale medium)
Satellite/aerial-type map of Eldey volcano (local scale small)
Terrain-type map of Eldey volcano (local scale small)
Satellite/aerial-type map of Eldey volcano (scale of 10s of km)
Terrain-type map of Eldey volcano (scale of 10s of km)
Satellite/aerial-type map of Eldey volcano (scale of 20-40 km)
Terrain-type map of Eldey volcano (scale of 20-40 km)
Satellite/aerial-type map of Eldey volcano (scale of approx. 10-20 km)
Terrain-type map of Eldey volcano (scale of approx. 10-20 km)
Satellite/aerial-type map of Eldey volcano (scale of 5-10 km)
Satellite/aerial-type map of Eldey volcano (scale of few kilometers)
