Öraefajökull

Öraefajökull (ö'rīväyö"kütul) [key], mountain, SE Iceland, rising from the Vatnajökull glacier. Öraefajökull is an ice-covered, three-peaked volcano. The largest of its four recorded eruptions occurred in 1362; all have been destructive, owing to the devastating floods caused by melting ice. Its highest peak, Hvannadalshnúkur (6,950 ft/2,118 m), is also the highest point in Iceland.

The Columbia Electronic Encyclopedia, 6th ed. Copyright © 2007, Columbia University Press. All rights reserved.

• • Cite
  • Print