[6] This volcano which is about three times the area of its capping glacier is in the Western volcanic zone.

[2] It rises over 1,000 m (3,300 ft) above its surrounds and was formed presumably by mongenetic subglacial volcanic activity.

[6][2] It is currently dormant or more likely extinct in terms of volcanic activity.

[1] The glacier was called Baldjökull until about 1700 and with relative certainty the current name is influenced by the nearby mountain Eiríksgnípa.

Nothing is known with certainty about said Erik but a fable tells of an outlaw named Eiríkur or Eirekur who evaded capture by running into that mountain.