Nor is explosive power the only measure of a volcano's spitefulness. The eruption of Laki, an Icelandic volcanic fissure, in 1783 sent poisonous gases across Europe.

A fissure opening in this area is not unusual-a similar event occurred in 1997, according to John Eichelberger, coordinator for the USGS Volcanic Hazards Program.

The island is huge fissure eruption of adjacent formation volcanic island.