Lava-Cooling Operations During the 1973 Eruption of Eldfell Volcano, Heimaey, Vestmannaeyjar, Iceland U.S. Geological Survey Open-File Report 97-724

Figure 8. Quantity of sea water (in Is1) used to cool the lava between 6 February and 10 July 1973. Click on areas of chart to zoom in.

a- 6 February; the Vestmannaeyjar fire department starts spraying [water on] the lava. b- Amount of pumping equipment is increased. c- Amount of pumping equipment is increased. d- The dredge Sandey begins operation. e- Lava flows over the town. f- The first [pumping] unit at Básakers Wharf is connected. g- Pipes are connected. h- Cooling from the sea is stopped. i- Cooling from Nausthamars Wharf is stopped. j- [Cooling from] crater pipeline is stopped. k- [Cooling from] pipeline at Vilpa is stopped. l- [Cooling from] pipeline at Sólhlíð is stopped. m- [All] cooling is terminated on 10 July 1973. n- Days from beginning of eruption [from 23 January 1973].