‘Shakin’ and Bakin’: Recent Volcanic Unrest in Iceland

The Idaho Museum of Mining and Geology and the Old Idaho Pen are collaborating on an incredible lecture titled: Shakin’ and Bakin’: Recent Volcanic Unrest in Iceland. Join Distinguished Professor of Geology, professional geologist, author, and YouTube educator Shawn Willsey, as he explains the cause of this geologic mayhem, how Iceland responded to the threat, and the current state of affairs.

This lecture is free to all and takes place on Sunday, July 21 at 1pm in the Shirt Factory of the Old Pen, 2445 E. Old Penitentiary Rd. Boise, 83712. Anyone wishing to stroll through the Old Pen grounds needs to purchase a ticket for that when they first enter the Old Pen. Free admission is only for the lecture. The Idaho Museum of Mining and Geology is right next door to the Old Pen and admission is free. We encourage lecture-goers to check out the Museum after the program.

After 800 years of quiescence, Iceland’s Reykjanes peninsula recently burst into the news with a series of volcanic eruptions and magmatic intrusions. Three eruptions of fluid lava, one each year, from 2021-2023 occurred in an uninhabited area and were “tourist friendly” due to steady eruptive behavior and relatively safe conditions. However, late in the fall of 2023, the situation changed dramatically when seismic and magmatic activity shifted slightly westward, threatening the town of Grindavik, home to about 4,000 residents and an important fishing port. Over the next few months and spilling into 2024, residents abandoned their homes as strong earthquakes and later lava flows threatened not only the town but a nearby power plant and Iceland’s top tourist destination.

About Shawn Willsey

Shawn Willsey has taught geology at the College of Southern Idaho for twenty years. He enjoys exploring the geology of the western U.S. and abroad, and is the author of Geology Underfoot in Southern Idaho, and co-author of Roadside Geology of Idaho. These books will be on sale at the lecture.

In addition, he has over 108,000 subscribers to his YouTube channel where he regularly posts educational videos from a variety of locations. Shawn just completed his fifth visit to Iceland, where he led groups on field trips and filmed more videos on Iceland’s fantastic geology. He is a captivating speaker. You won’t want to miss this.

The Shirt Factory at the Old Pen can seat 200, is air-conditioned, and restrooms are available.

Updog Street Food (delicious hotdogs) on sale from noon until about 3:30pm.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

2445 Old Penitentiary Rd, 2445 Old Penitentiary Road, Boise, United States