Elephant Rock: How Iceland's Most Iconic Basalt Rock Formation Came to Be

(Photo : Halldor Kolbeins / Getty Images)
Among Iceland’s most iconic basalt formations is the hulking Elephant Rock.

The Elephant Rock is one of Iceland's most iconic landmarks. And, although it might seem otherwise, this basalt rock formation is not man-made, instead it was sculpted by a violent volcanic eruption that expanded the island.

Iconic Basalt Formation Elephant Rock

A basalt feature in the Westman Islands of Iceland called The Elephant Rock, which some refer to as "Elephant Island" being located atop Heimaey's cliffs, resembles a huge elephant's head that is partially buried in the Atlantic Ocean. The rock's realistic appearance, complete with wrinkled "skin," was created by Mt. Eldfell's eruptions.

The Southern Iceland Volcanic Zone, created by volcanic eruptions, is where the Westman Islands are located. Heimaey was evacuated as a result of the 1973 Eldfell eruption, which also caused the island to grow and produce new tourist destinations including the Eldfell Crater as well as the Eldheimar Museum, which tell the story of the island's preservation from annihilation. The archipelago's breathtaking volcanic landscapes and distinctive rock formations captivate tourists, according to Guide to Iceland.

The Eldfell Eruption of 1973

On January 23, 1973, a fissure appeared beneath the Heimaey island in Iceland, close to the 5,000-person town of Vestmannaeyjar. Within a day, the entire island had been successfully evacuated. Despite efforts to contain the lava flow, the Eldfell volcano erupted for six months, severely devastating much of Vestmannaeyjar. Most of the population of 4,500 returned after the eruption, according to The Atlantic.

How the Elephant Rock Formed

Volcanic activity, which would have resulted in the lava flow deposits and volcanic debris, establishing the framework for the subsequent processes, is most likely one of the geological processes responsible for the construction of the Elephant Rock on Heimaey Island in Iceland.

Layers of hardened volcanic rock were created, according to experts, as a result of the lava solidifying after it. It's possible that several layers of lava accumulated and solidified over time, resulting in the initial development of Elephant Rock.

Fractures, faults, and weaknesses in the rock may be produced by tectonic and crustal movements, and these features help the formation to be shaped and sculpted by ensuing erosional processes.

Weathering processes and constant wind and wave erosion would have progressively molded the Elephant Rock into its recognized appearance.

Differential erosion probably contributed to highlighting the distinctive elephant-like features. The peculiar contours would have been formed by areas of the rock that were more resistant to erosion remaining intact and softer areas eroding more quickly.

Last but not least, coastal activities like the constant pounding of waves against the rock's surface over time would have helped shape and refine it, accentuating its distinctive features.

Geological Features of the Elephant Rock

Basalt makes up the majority of Elephant Rock, as well as much of the volcanic rock found in Iceland. A dark-colored igneous rock called basalt is created when lava flows solidify. Many minerals, including pyroxene and plagioclase feldspar, make up its composition.

Additionally, the Elephant Rock exhibits columnar jointing, a characteristic of basaltic rock formations. When thick lava begins to cool and shrink, columnar jointing happens, which causes the rock to split into polygonal columns. On the surface of the rock, these columns can produce distinct vertical or hexagonal patterns.

While a detailed geological analysis of Elephant Rock is not available, these are the general observations based on its visual characteristics made by Geology Science.