Photographer captures the massive scale of Iceland's volcanic eruptions

In December 2023, Iceland experienced its seventh volcanic eruption in the Svartsengi area of the Reykjanes peninsula. This eruption was characterized by long eruptive fissures measuring between 3 to 4 kilometers and high lava flow rates, reaching up to 2500 cubic meters per second. Marco di Marco, an AP photographer who moved to Iceland in 2018 from Catania, Italy, has been documenting these eruptions since 2021. The volcanic activity began with the first eruption of Fagradalsfjall and has continued to escalate since then. Given his prior experience covering eruptions of Mount Etna, di Marco aimed to showcase the scale of these recent eruptions through photography. To capture the eruption, di Marco utilized a drone to film and photograph the lava flows while carefully considering the risks posed by the extreme conditions. With the lava flowing at temperatures around 1200 degrees Celsius and nighttime air temperatures dropping to minus-9 degrees Celsius, he navigated the challenges presented by strong winds. His objective was to gain a unique perspective from above the lava field, which would allow him to convey the enormity of the volcanic event. On his way back to the takeoff area, di Marco changed his direction to fly directly above the lava flows. He managed to snap a striking photograph that illustrated the active lava field while making it clear how massive the eruption was. The composition of the image featured flowing lava that led the viewer's eye toward the eruptive fissure, enhancing the sense of scale. The photograph also highlighted an ominous atmosphere, with the reddish glow of the gas fading into black from the surrounding darkness. The ongoing volcanic activity in Iceland is significant, as it reflects the dynamic geological processes at play in the area. Di Marco's photographs serve not only as documentation of these natural events but also as artistic representations that communicate the urgency and power of nature. As a result, his work contributes to a greater understanding of volcanic eruptions and their impact on the environment and communities nearby. Marco di Marco's efforts ensure that the stories of these eruptions and their vivid spectacles are seen and appreciated, delivering a visual narrative that resonates with audiences far beyond Iceland's borders.