Iceland - Eldhraun Lava Field

Eldhraun Lava Field contains lava formations from the Laki volcano eruption in 1783 that some believe contributed to the French Revolution. Over 9,000 people and most of the livestock were killed in Iceland from this eruption or ensuing ash clouds. Crops were destroyed and many more perished from starvation. The estimated 42 billion tons of basalt lava and gasses released caused ash clouds that were carried by wind to Great Britain and Europe. These areas also lost crops and livestocks resulting in food shortages. The mosses covering this lava rock can take decades to grow back if stepped on and killed. Such is the fragility of a beautiful reminder of such destruction.