P*A*T (Photography*Art*Travel): Journey FROM the Center of the Earth

Journey FROM the Center of the Earth

If you've ever wondered about what makes Iceland one of the "greenest" countries on earth, energy-wise, the answer is in the geology beneath the island-nation.

Iceland sits astride the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, which crosses the country diagonally from NE to SW. As a result, Iceland boasts 22 active volcanoes, 250 geothermal areas and 780 hot springs. All of the homes and businesses are double-plumbed. The hot water comes from geothermal sources and the cold water is drawn directly from deep springs and piped, without chlorination or purification to the outlet. Thus much of the surface of Iceland; lava, ash, waterfalls, springs originated from deep inside the earth

Being astride the Ridge also means that Iceland has "one foot on the dock and the other on the boat" as the North American and European tectonic plates slowly slide apart...by as much as 2 cm per year. The best location to see this effect is displayed below and is pronounced "Thingvellir".

Map of Thingvellir valley where the continental division is most visible, and Iceland's first National Park.

Panorama of the subsidence and fissures

This area is where the Vikings established the world's first democratic parliament, the "Althing", around 930 AD. The Logberg or "Law Rock" was where the parliament convened annually and the law speaker recited the law, and decisions were made by the Logretta, a sub-council.

Cold rivers and hot springs abound, providing an important resting spot for migratory birds, such as the great northern diver and harlequin duck.

Just down the road is the "Geysir" region, marked by many vents, mud pots and gushers. This area is Iceland's #1 tourist attraction, is part of the "Golden Circle" and makes a nice day trip for those traveling from Reykjavik.

The Strokker Geysir, the world's most reliable, erupting every 5-10 minutes, reaching heights of up to 30m. Great way to get a downwind shower!

The mighty Gullfoss (Golden waterfall) nearby is a double cascade and the country's most famous and heavily visited attraction. The thunder, roar and rising spray are most impressive.