From Shire to Wasteland: The Catastrophic Story of Öræfajökull

From Shire to Wasteland: The Catastrophic Story of Öræfajökull

In this episode of the Lava Academy Podcast, Ian McKinnon and Ragnhildur Ágústsdóttir are joined by volcanologist and petrology PhD candidate Helga Þorvaldsdóttir to explore one of Iceland’s most powerful and overlooked volcanoes: Öræfajökull. Hidden beneath glacier ice in southeast Iceland, Öræfajökull is Iceland’s highest peak — and the site of one of the most catastrophic eruptions in the country’s history. Helga takes us back to the devastating 1362 eruption, when a peaceful farming region was transformed into a ruined wasteland, reshaping both the landscape and Icelandic memory. Together, we discuss explosive eruptions, ash clouds, tephra, glacial outburst floods, pyroclastic density currents, lost historical records, and why this “silent and sneaky” volcano is so challenging to monitor today. We also dive into Helga’s fascinating research, including how she recreates possible eruption conditions in tiny gold capsules to better understand what may be happening deep beneath Öræfajökull. A gripping mix of science, history, hazards, and Icelandic nature — this episode is a must-listen for anyone fascinated by volcanoes. Listen now, follow the Lava Academy Podcast, and join us as we uncover the stories behind Iceland’s volcanic giants.

Iceland’s Largest Eruption

What happens when one of the biggest eruptions in Iceland’s history meets modern-day science? In the latest episode of the Lava Academy Podcast, host Iain MacKinnon sits down with geologist Glen L’Estrange to explore the incredible story of the Eldgjá eruption—a volcanic event so powerful it reshaped landscapes, displaced early settlers, and left behind clues that scientists are still uncovering today. Why You Should Listen This episode takes you far beyond the surface of Iceland’s volcanic landscapes. You’ll discover: * What made the Eldgjá eruption one of the largest in Iceland’s history * Just how massive a 75 km-long fissure eruption really is * How scientists reconstruct eruptions from over 1,000 years ago * The real-world impacts on people, landscapes, and even global climate * What a similar eruption could mean for Iceland today It’s a fascinating blend of science, storytelling, and real-world relevance—perfect for anyone curious about volcanoes, Iceland, or the forces shaping our planet.   Meet the Guest: Glen L’Estrange Glen is a volcanology master’s student and research assistant at the University of Iceland, currently studying some of the country’s largest historical eruptions. He also works at Lava Show as a Lava Master. In this episode, he shares insights from his fieldwork—digging through layers of volcanic ash (tephra), camping in remote highlands, and piecing together the story of an eruption that happened over a thousand years ago.   A Glimpse Into the Episode The Eldgjá eruption occurred around 937–940 AD and stretched across a fissure system roughly 75 kilometres long—over ten times larger than recent eruptions on the Reykjanes Peninsula. But what makes this episode truly compelling isn’t just the scale—it’s how scientists like Glen are able to reconstruct these events using volcanic “fingerprints” preserved in Iceland’s soil. From ash layers that act like a geological barcode to fieldwork stories involving river crossings and Icelandic weather at its worst, this episode brings both the science and the human side of volcanology to life.   More Than Just History This isn’t just a story about the past. Understanding eruptions like Eldgjá helps scientists prepare for the future—especially in a country like Iceland, where volcanic activity is part of everyday life. As Glen explains, modern monitoring systems give us a huge advantage—but large-scale eruptions still pose questions we don’t fully have answers to yet. Listen Now Whether you’re a volcano enthusiast, planning a trip to Iceland, or just love a great science story, this episode is not to be missed. Tune in to the latest episode of the Lava Academy Podcast and discover the story behind one of Iceland’s most powerful eruptions. Link Read an article on Eldgjá [https://www.lavashow.com/blog/lava-academy/eldgja-eruption] by geologist Jessica Poteet.

Inside Iceland’s Volcano Nerve Center

What does it take to monitor a country sitting on top of an active volcanic system? In this episode of the Lava Academy Podcast, hosts Ragnhildur “Lady Lava” Ágústsdóttir and Iain MacKinnon sit down with Kristín Jónsdóttir, Head of the Department of Volcanoes, Earthquakes and Deformation Measurements at the Icelandic Meteorological Office. From earthquake swarms and magma movement beneath the surface to real-time monitoring and early warning systems, Kristín takes us inside the science and decision-making behind Iceland’s volcanic activity—especially on the Reykjanes Peninsula. We explore how eruptions are tracked, why predicting them is so complex, and how new technologies like fibre optic sensing are changing the future of volcano monitoring. If you’re fascinated by volcanoes, natural hazards, or the forces shaping our planet, this is an episode you won’t want to miss. 🎧 Tune in and discover what’s really happening beneath Iceland. Links * The Icelandic Meteorological Office [https://en.vedur.is/]- contains a wealth of information and insights into Iceland's volcanoes, geography, and seismic activity * Skjálftalísa [https://skjalftalisa.vedur.is/]- A graphical representation of seismic activity in Iceland

From Katla to Lava Show: The Story Behind World's Only Live Lava Experience

In this episode of the Lava Academy Podcast, host Iain MacKinnon sits down with Júlíus Ingi Jónsson, Mr. Lava Lava, the founder of Lava Show. Júlíus shares the incredible story behind the creation of the world’s only live lava show, where real molten lava is superheated and poured safely in front of a live audience. From childhood summers on a farm near Vík and family stories about the 1918 Katla eruption, to witnessing spectacular eruptions first hand and turning a wild idea into a global attraction, this episode explores the inspiration, risks, and determination behind Lava Show.    You’ll hear how a moment standing in front of cascading lava during the 2010 Eyjafjallajökull eruption sparked an idea that would eventually grow into an award-winning Icelandic experience visited by hundreds of thousands of people. Júlíus also talks about entrepreneurship, Iceland’s deep connection to volcanoes, and why storytelling is such an important part of sharing geology with the world. Whether you’re fascinated by volcanoes, curious about Iceland’s volcanic landscape, or interested in the story behind Lava Show, this episode offers a fascinating look at the passion and perseverance behind one of Iceland’s most unique experiences. In This Episode • The childhood story that sparked Júlíus’ fascination with volcanoes • Surviving Katla: a family story from the 1918 eruption • Witnessing Icelandic eruptions up close • The moment that inspired the idea for Lava Show • Turning a bold concept into a real attraction • Why volcanoes are central to Iceland’s identity If you enjoy the Lava Academy Podcast, be sure to follow, rate, and share the show with fellow volcano enthusiasts.

Volcanoes in Space? A Cosmic Conversation with Sævar Helgi Bragason

Are volcanoes unique to Earth—or are they erupting across the solar system? In this episode of the Lava Academy Podcast, hosts Iain MacKinnon and Ragnhildur Ágústsdóttir (AKA Lady Lava) sit down with Iceland’s beloved science communicator, and author Sævar Helgi Bragason for a mind-expanding journey beyond our planet. Together, they explore volcanic activity on Mars, Venus, and Jupiter’s moon Io, icy cryovolcanoes on distant moons, and even evidence of eruptions on Pluto. Sævar explains how gravity, internal heat, and planetary forces create volcanoes in places far beyond Earth—and what studying them teaches us about our own planet’s past and future. The conversation also touches on Iceland’s iconic volcanoes, why eruptions inspire awe rather than fear, and how volcanoes are essential to the story of life on Earth. To top it off, Sævar shares his passion for astronomy and gives an exciting preview of the total solar eclipse visible from Iceland in August 2026—an event he describes as one of nature’s most powerful experiences. If you love volcanoes, space, science, or simply great storytelling, this episode is for you. Listen now and explore volcanoes on Earth—and beyond. Links Sævar Helgi Bragason helps you see the northern lights, and prepare for the 2026 Solar Eclipse with these websites: * Iceland at Night [https://icelandatnight.is/] * Eclipse 26 [https://eclipse2026.is/]