The emigration rate varied greatly depending on local conditions. There was a large group in 1876 after Mount Askja erupted and destroyed many meadows. Another large group left in 1883 after the very cold weather in 1882. The largest group left in 1887 after a very severe spring that destroyed a large proportion of the livestock. This was followed by another hard winter in 1888. Another peak occurred in 1893 after the hard winter of 1892. The large exodus in 1903 also followed a hard winter in 1902.