Pictures of the week

Imagine waking up one morning to discover that your home, town, friends and family were in imminent danger as a dormant volcano (Eldfall, Heimaey) had come back to life after over 5000 years of inactivity. What would your immediate thoughts be? Well this was what happened in 1973 on the island of Heimaey just off the coast of Iceland.

Iceland is a unique place that is located on a constructive plate boundary where two plates are being ripped apart (click here for animation, from Wycombe High School). This creates enormous hazards but also brings great benefits to Iceland, including geothermal energy which provides the island with most of its energy.

What was it like in the eruption in 1973? Find out here

Why don't we get volcanoes? Find out here

Can we visit this volcano? 36 intrepid explorers from Pencoed School will be going there next year! (Iceland 2006 here)