Want To Ride On A Volcano?

Iceland is known to most as the "Land of Fire and Ice." This of course comes from the juxtaposition of its unstable tectonic location and its  snow and glaciers covered landscape. 

Recently, the fire of Iceland has been making the news. You may recall the volcano Eyjafjallojökull caused travel disruptions all over the globe in the wake of its eruption. 

Because of the havoc and destruction these eruptions cause, it may seem ironic that things which caused to much choas to air travel are used by Icelandair as names for their planes. 

via. http://volcano.oregonstate.edu/oldroot/legends/iceland/icemap.jpg

Below is a list of volcanoes used as by Icelandair for naming their planes and where you're likely to grab a ride on them.

Hengill

Hengill is located in the southwest of Iceland. The geothermic energy from it is a source of power for the southern part of the country. 

Departure Cities
New York City - J.F.K.


Her∂ubrei∂

Her∂ubrei∂ is located in the North-east of the island. 

Departure Cities
Denver 
Boston


Eyjafjallojökull

Eyjafjallojökull, arguably the most famous Iceland volcano, is located in the south of the island. It most recently erupted in 2010 causing travel disruptions and severe economic consequences felt around the world. The ash cloud spread to Western Europe, Scandanavia and Russia

Eyjafjallojökull in 2013

Eyjafjallojökull in 2010, mid-eruption

Watch a webcam live-stream from Eyjafjallojökull here

Departure Cities

Seattle
Orlando
Boston


Eldborg

Elborg is located in the West of Iceland. Only a crater now remains of it that is accessible for hikers to walk around and even climb up it.

Departure Cities

Lava Pile at Krafla
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/a/a9/Lava_at_Vulkan_Krafla_Iceland_4.JPG

Boston

Krafla

Krafla is located to the north. This volcano is a source of power for the northern region. 

Departure Cities
Denver
Seattle
Newark, NJ


Snæfell

Located in Western Iceland and visible from Reykjavik. This volcano was made famous in Jules Vernes' novel Journey to the Center of the Earth. 

Departure Cities
Seattle
Washington, DC
Boston


Askja

Askja is located in the central highlands of Iceland. In April 2012, it was closed to tourists in fear of possible eruption.

Departure Cities
Seattle
Orlando
Washington, DC


Hekla

Hekla, located in the South, is one of Iceland's most active volcanoes.  Scientists are predicting that it will erupting again soon. 

Eruption at Hekla
http://www.katlageopark.is/hekla-showing-signs-of-increased-seismic-activity/

Watch a webcam live-stream from Hekla here

Departure Cities
Orlando
Denver


Katla

Katla, larger than the well-known Eyjafjallojökull, is located on the southern part of the island. It is one of the more active Icelandic volcanoes. Combined, Katla and Hekla form "The Angry Sisters"

Departure Cities
Seattle


Skjalbrei∂ur

Located in the West, Skjalbrei∂ur means "broad shield"

Departure Cities
Denver



What do you think of Icelandair's naming their planes after volcanoes? Tongue-in-cheek and funny? Asking for trouble? 

I'd like to hear from you!



Further reading:
A Guide to Iceland's Volcanoes
Volcanoes of Iceland
Volcanology of Iceland