In case you weren't aware, there's a volcanic eruption taking place in Iceland. The Brarbunga volcano in the Holuhraun lava field began its flair-up on August 29, and by the beginning of September was spewing hundreds of cubic meters of lava. This stunning scene has produced some breath-taking images for Icelandic photographer and Guide to Iceland co-founder Iurie Belegurschi. He was brave enough to travel near the action and snap these beautiful pictures.
The photos show a fissure that's nearly 2 miles in length with lava reaching heights of about 500 feet in the air. Belegurschi got close enough to experience the intensity firsthand; he reports feeling the heat from the volcano on his skin. The journey was well worth it, and the result is a collection of once-in-a-lifetime images (the last eruption was in 1910!) that showcase fiery oranges and reds juxtaposed with dark rocks and a lot of thick smoke. They remind us of Earth's natural beauty as well as its great power.
Iurie Belegurschi website
Photos via Guide to Iceland
via [PetaPixel and Global Volcanism Program]