The Nordic Volcanological Institute, established in 1973, is one of several institutions in the cultural field financed jointly by the Nordic nations, Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden. Photograph of the 1973 eruption on the island of Heimaey by the late Svienn Eirikksen.
The scope of activity of the institute is defined in the first paragraph of its status:
"The NVI shall perform volcanological research aimed at the most important aspects of volcanology: petrography, geochemistry, geophysics and the history of volcanoes. The Institute shall provide facilities for scientists and students from the Nordic countries and - according to decisions made by the Board of Directors - from other countries as well, to study volcanism and related topics".
The research program of NVI is focused on the dynamic aspects of magmatic processes. Geodetic methods are applied to study the deformation of the Earth's crust caused either by pressure changes in magmatic reservoirs or by tensional forces associated with rifting. Geochemical and petrological methods are used to study magmatic evolution in different tectonic settings as well as to study the differentiation of volatiles associated with magma movement. Geological methods are used to study the structure of volcanoes and to establish eruption and productivity patterns of volcanic areas. The Institute furthermore works on the development of instruments applied in volcano monitoring and operates field stations for continuous recording of crustal movements in volcanic areas. Since the Institute was established 12 volcanic eruptions have occured in Iceland.
High priority is given to the documentation and study of short lived volcanic phenomena.
For details about specific monitoring activities at Icelandic volcanoes visit the WOVO Directory.
Contact information:
Nordic Volcanological Institute Geoscience Building University of Iceland IS-101 Reykjavík Iceland Telephone: (354)1-694300/694490 (Direct telephones listed below) Telefax: (354)1-629767 Telex: (501)2307 ISINFO Director: Gudmundur E. SigvaldasonBack to the main WOVO Europe page
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