Katla Volcano

 

Katla is an active volcano located in Southern Iceland, erupting more than 20 times in recorded history. It is large at 9 x 14 km subglacial caldera and remains one of the most dangerous volcanoes in Iceland. Katla’s height is 1380 metres.

Location:	Southern Iceland
Coordinates:	63.647016, -19.130378
Volcano Type:	Subglacial

 

Katla’s Location:

 

Katla’s Latest Status:

2024: Currently dormant. Not active.

 

Katla’s Eruptive History

2023	May: Very intense seismic swarm recorded. Three M 4+ earthquakes generated.
2022	October: Seismic swarm. A seismic swarm has occurred beneath the Mýrdalsjökull glacier that covers Katla.
2017	Magnitude 4.3 earthquake under the volcano and increased seismic activity
2014	More frequent (shallow) earthquakes
2011	After a period of seismic activity, The Iceland Met Office reported a glacier flood from the glacier that sits on top of Katla. The cause of this was reported to be geothermal water, however an eruption could not be ruled out.
1999	Flooding after a possible small eruption

 

Katla Monitoring

For monitoring of this volcano, please refer to the Icelandic Met Office.

 

Katla Images