Geologist Sean Willsey discusses Icelandic volcanic wonders

In this second episode of The Lava Academy by Lava Show, we sit down with Sean Willsey, a geology professor at the College of Southern Idaho and creator of the popular YouTube channel Geology Explained. Sean shares his deep connection to Iceland, what keeps pulling him back year after year, and how the recent eruption cycles on the Reykjanes Peninsula have rewritten our understanding of Icelandic geology.

Listeners will gain insight into the dramatic seismic activity and eruptions near Grindavík, the science behind magma movement and ground deformation, and how Iceland is balancing hazard mitigation with life on a volcanic island. Sean also reflects on how volcanic education, including live lava experiences like Lava Show, can build global awareness and fascination with the Earth’s dynamic processes.

The conversation covers real-time eruption response, shifting magma conduits, how the 2021–2024 eruptions compare to Iceland’s geologic past, and whether we’re entering a new volcanic era.

This is a must-listen episode for volcano-watchers, educators, and anyone curious about the incredible forces shaping Iceland’s ever-evolving landscape.

Hosts: Iain MacKinnon and Jón Heiðar Ragnheiðarson

Image mentioned in the podcast: Graph showing earthquake swarm from eruption in the Reykjanes peninsula on the 12th of November 2023

Links

• Sean Willsey on the web
• Geology with Willsey on YouTube
• Lava Academy by Lava Show

In the debut episode of Lava Academy by Lava Show, geologist Madison MacKenzie shares her personal journey from growing up near volcanoes in the U.S. and Japan to studying and working in Iceland’s fiery landscape. She walks listeners through volcanic fundamentals — what volcanoes are, how they form and erupt, and what makes Iceland one of the world’s most geologically active regions. Madison explains how different types of lava and eruption styles shape volcanoes, and why Iceland's location on a tectonic boundary and above a hotspot creates such unique volcanic activity. The episode dives into lava types, eruption styles, and how scientists monitor volcanic behavior through seismic activity and satellite data. Madison also breaks down myths about eruptions, noting that many are mild and even beneficial. Hosts: Ian MacKinnon, and Jon Heidar Ragnheidarson

Links

• Lava Show
• The Lava Academy by Lava Show
• The Icelandic Met Office