Laki Fissure

The Laki Fissure is a long volcanic crack in Iceland's landscape, formed during a massive eruption in 1783–1784. This fissure stretched about 27 kilometers (17 miles) and released large amounts of lava, volcanic gases, and ash. The eruption caused widespread environmental damage, including crop failures and a significant decline in livestock health, leading to a humanitarian crisis. The Laki Fissure is a prominent feature of Iceland’s volcanic system and illustrates how fissures can act as pathways for magma to reach the surface, creating extensive lava fields and influencing the surrounding climate and ecosystem.