Volcano Laki

Laki, also known as Lakagígar, is an impressive series of volcanic craters located in southern Iceland, within Vatnajökull National Park. This chain of craters, about 25 kilometers long, is the result of one of the most devastating volcanic eruptions in history, which occurred between 1783 and 1784. The eruption of Laki not only had a catastrophic impact on Iceland, but also caused significant global climatic consequences. The eruption of Laki began on June 8, 1783 and lasted for eight months, until February 1784. During this period, approximately 14 cubic kilometers of lava were erupted, covering vast areas of Icelandic soil. In addition, huge amounts of toxic gases, including sulfur dioxide and fluorine, were released into the atmosphere. These gases caused severe respiratory problems and poisoning, both for humans and animals, and led to the death of about 50% of Icelandic livestock. The combination of volcanic ash and toxic gases destroyed crops, leading to a famine that caused the death of a quarter of the Icelandic population. The impact of the Laki eruption was not limited to Iceland. The volcanic gases emitted formed a vast aerosol of sulfuric acid in the atmosphere, which spread throughout the northern hemisphere. This aerosol reflected sunlight, causing a temporary cooling of the global climate. The year 1783 became known as the “year without a summer” due to abnormal weather conditions and unusually low temperatures in Europe and North America. The climatic consequences of the eruption included harsh winters, poor harvests, and famines in various parts of the world. Geologically, Laki is an extraordinary example of fissure volcanic activity. The chain of craters extends along a tectonic fracture that crosses Iceland, and fissure eruptions like that of Laki are characterized by the emission of large volumes of basaltic lava. The craters themselves, known as “Lakagígar” (Laki craters), are now visible as a series of conical hills and depressions dotting the landscape. From a social perspective, the Laki eruption has left an indelible mark on the Icelandic collective memory. The stories and legends related to this catastrophe have been passed down from generation to generation, becoming an integral part of Icelandic culture and history. Today, excursions to Laki offer visitors the opportunity to explore this historic landscape and learn more about the events that shaped the island’s destiny. An interesting anecdote concerns the impact of the Laki eruption on the famous German scientist and explorer Alexander von Humboldt. During a trip to South America, Humboldt noticed similarities between the volcanic eruptions he had observed and the accounts of the Laki eruption. This led him to further develop his theories on natural phenomena and the interconnectedness of Earth’s systems, profoundly influencing the fields of geology and climatology. From an ecological perspective, the Laki region is a natural laboratory for the study of ecological succession. After the eruption, the sterile lava slowly began to host forms of life. Mosses, lichens, and pioneer plants are among the first species to colonize the lava soil, followed by shrubs and eventually trees. This process of regenerating life in an extreme volcanic environment is of great interest to ecologists and provides valuable insights into how ecosystems recover from natural disasters.