A team from Swansea University, UK, launched an award-winning series of educational videos explaining Icelandic eruptions to be used in classrooms. The authors claim the videos can help students gain a deeper understanding of volcanic forecasting and hazard management.
“Isle of Fire | Lessons in Volcanic Hazard Management from Heimaey to Grindavik” is a groundbreaking project that brings together volcano experts and Icelandic communities. Developed by Time for Geography, the series tells the story of one of the most important eruptions in the history of volcanic hazard management: the 1973 eruption on the island of Heimaey in southwest Iceland. The videos are based on four years of published academic research by Swansea University’s Dr Rhian Meara.
“Swansea University’s involvement in Isle of Fire highlights our commitment to pioneering research that has real-world impact,” said co-author and presenter Dr Meara, senior lecturer in Geography. “It has been a privilege to work with a brilliant team of experts and the local community to bring this extraordinary case study to life for future geographers.”
The videos explain cutting-edge techniques in eruption reconstruction and forecasting, as well as modern management strategies. These are becoming more important than ever, given current volcanic activity on the Reykjanes peninsula threatening major population centres for the first time since 1973.
“The key to this project was the invaluable contributions of a unique collaboration of leading volcanologists and hazards experts, as well as those who were there at the time, experiencing, filming, and photographing the eruption. This enabled us to bring the events and their scientific significance to life on screen, with previously untold stories, never-before-seen footage, and new insights,” said series producer and presenter Dr Rob Parker, director of Time for Geography.
The series of videos has already earned national recognition, winning the following:
· Geographical Association 2025 Silver Publishers Award recognises exceptional quality in advancing Geography education.
· Geographical Association 2025 Highly Commended Publishers Award, which honours the virtual student conference inspired by the series, which has contributed to geographical education and professional development.
· Scottish Association of Geography Teachers 2024 Resource Award, which celebrates impact on Geography education in Scotland
“We would like to thank the community of Vestmannaeyjabær for their fantastic support and valuable contributions to this project. It has been a privilege to help bring Heimaey’s story to life for a new generation in school classrooms,” concluded Dr Meara.
Explore how volcanic hazard management has evolved from Heimaey to Grindavik—watch Isle of Fire.