lava

In mid-August 2014, Iceland’s second highest mountain, Bárðarbunga, awoke from its slumber. A stratovolcano located under Vatnajökull, Europe’s largest ice cap, Bárðarbunga, is part of a vast volcanic system that covers much of the entre of the island. After a few dramatic days of intense seismic activity, an eruption started in the Holuhraun lava field north of Bárðarbunga. At 4 a.m. on August 31st, the magma found its way to the surface. By the time this book was sent to print, the Holuhraun lava eruption had already become one of the largest witnessed in Iceland since the 19th century and showing no sign of abating.

Ragnar Th. Sigurðsson is one of Iceland’s most experienced photographers. He has closely followed these events from both the air and ground from the very beginning.

Breathtaking photographs from the lava eruption in Holuhraun 2014.

Ragnar Th. Sigurðsson brings you closer to these magnificent events in central Iceland, where the forces of nature continue to shape the island.