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Iceland's Volcano: Eruption Updates with Geologist Ralph Lee Hopkins

Erupting volcano in Iceland with helicopter on nearby peak

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Ralph Lee Hopkins, National Geographic Photography Expert

Ralph Lee Hopkins is a popular photo instructor and geologist who also serves as an expedition leader aboard the National Geographic fleet. He served as a photographer on the historic Arctic Expedition for Climate Action in July 2008 and has traveled...

Geology in Action!

After watching live webcams since the eruption began on March 19, 2021, Director of Expedition Photography and geologist Ralph Lee Hopkins is finally in Iceland. He’s been visiting Fagradalsfjall, which is located in the region of Geldingadalur, daily and reporting back with some jaw-dropping photos and video. Check it out and then, even better, join him aboard the August 18 departure of Iceland & Greenland:Wild Coasts & Icy Shores to see and hear more about this phenomenal natural event. Get Inspired By Photos, Videos, Webinars, Stories, And Exclusive Offers. Sign Up

Words can’t adequately describe the sounds, the smells, and the thrill of experiencing the raw power of Mother Nature.

Ralph Lee Hopkins

Like a pilgrim climbing to a sacred site for worship, I was led there for the first time by friends from Reykjavík, making their 10^th trek. New Earth is being created—being here, seeing it firsthand is a dream for any geologist or world traveler.

Lone hiker near the Iceland volcano

Erupting volcano in Iceland with helicopter on nearby peak

Silhouettes of onlookers watching the Iceland volcano erupt

Volcano Time Lapse

The mainland of Iceland is located just below the Arctic Circle, so the sun dips below the horizon for only about 3 hours. Sunset is just before midnight, but it never gets totally dark. Photographer’s call this the “blue hour,” when the low twilight turns the sky blue. For my second trek, conditions looked favorable as I started the 2.3 mil (3.7 km) climb to the viewpoints.

Clouds of smoke drifting above the Iceland volcano

Close up image of the erupting volcano in Iceland

Drone Footage

It was 2 a.m. when it started to rain. Heading back down from the highest viewpoint I thought my night was over. Everything changed when I came around the corner and encountered an area where fresh lava was oozing out from beneath broken slabs of lava along the margin of the lake. I quickly got my second wind, forgetting what time it was.

Fresh lava oozing out from under black slabs in Iceland

Oozing black lava in Iceland

Bright fiery pools near the Iceland volcano

Experience the Fagradalsfjall volcano post-voyage on an optional excursion (conditions permitting) included on the summer 2021 departures of: 11-day Circumnavigation of Iceland, 6-day Wild Iceland Escape, 13-day Iceland and Greenland: Wild Coasts and Icy Shores, and the nearly sold-out 19-day National Geographic Endurance Inaugural: Iceland & Greenland.