Fascinating Glaciers Of Iceland

One of the most fascinating things of Iceland is the glaciers present here. These glaciers cover more than 11 percent of the total land area of this country. All types of glaciers are found here in Iceland. Below is the narration of two most popular and the biggest glaciers in every aspect, of Iceland

VATNAJOKULL

This glacier was named after some sub-glacial lakes, which were situated in the centre of a very volcanically active region. So far, it is the largest glacier of Iceland as well as Europe with an area of 8100 square kilometers. The average thickness of this glacier is 400 meters and at many places it is as thick as 1100 meters. It contains about 3300 cubic kilometers of ice. The sub-glacial landscape of this glacier is a plateau with lots of valleys and ravines. The highest icecap of this glacier is around 1800 meters above the sea level. The ablation elevation has lots of difference in each direction. Its 1100 meters in south, 1200 meters in west and 1300 meters in north. Many small and big sized glaciers are formed and flow towards the low lying areas. It is the most researched glacier in Iceland and one of the most researched in the world. One such research was started in 1934, following the eruption in the lake region. At that time a glaciological society was formed and it has continued its research every year. This society has many huts on the many icecaps of this glacier. The last eruption in lake region was witnessed in 1996 and then in 1998.

THE LONG GLACIER

The long glacier is the second largest glacier of Iceland. It covers an area of around 950 square kilometers. It highest peak is around 1300 meters above the sea level. It is set on the hump of Hyaloclastite Mountains. The rise is highest on the southern and northern part of the mountain. People do not know much about it because glaciological society has not researched on it to the extent, they should have done. This society has its hut at Nunatak Fjallkirjan which is 1228 meters above the sea level. The southwestern part of the icecap is named Gietlandsjokull at its height is more than 1400 meters at the elevation. One can get some excellent view from the peak, taking into consideration, if the weather is fine and the day is sunny and clear. At some distance from Gietlandsjokull is another part of glacier called the Thorisjokull. Its height is 1350 meters. According to some ancient stories, it was named after the name Agre Thorir who used to live in the green valley situated in the pass between the glaciers.

Many little glaciers are generated from this big glacier and all have their particular introduction. Nowadays, there is no snow or ice on the top of the mountain called Ok which is 1198 meters high. This mountain is very famous as it lies in the way of the Kaldidalur route. Two very famous glaciers are surrounding this bigger glacier. One is Eiriksjokull and the other is Hrutafell. These two glaciers are the suppliers of water to the country’s biggest natural lake, geothermal area in the west and also the geysers area.

Bjorn Olav Jonsson is a freelance writer. For further information visit the website, www.icelandguest.com.