03-15-2026, 11:53 PM
Good NY Times article about recent lava diversion techniques in Iceland. A combination of berms and water has proved successful in changing the course of a lava flow. Iceland has mythology and ancient religious beliefs, they also have geothermal and have saved towns and treasured natural resources like the Blue Lagoon.
Iceland’s Chief ‘Lava Cooler’ Is Bracing for the Next Eruption
Helgi Hjorleifsson, a firefighter, is a leader in a national experiment to steer rivers of lava away from important sites. Some called it crazy, but it worked.
…
Lava was heading toward the already evacuated town of Grindavik, a power plant and the Blue Lagoon — one of Iceland’s most popular tourist attractions.
Mr. Hjorleifsson was tapped to lead a team of firefighters trying to do the unimaginable: Cool the lava enough to control it.
The firefighters and other emergency responders managed to protect the power plant, the lagoon and most of the houses.
Lava Diversion In Iceland
Iceland’s Chief ‘Lava Cooler’ Is Bracing for the Next Eruption
Helgi Hjorleifsson, a firefighter, is a leader in a national experiment to steer rivers of lava away from important sites. Some called it crazy, but it worked.
…
Lava was heading toward the already evacuated town of Grindavik, a power plant and the Blue Lagoon — one of Iceland’s most popular tourist attractions.
Mr. Hjorleifsson was tapped to lead a team of firefighters trying to do the unimaginable: Cool the lava enough to control it.
The firefighters and other emergency responders managed to protect the power plant, the lagoon and most of the houses.
Lava Diversion In Iceland