How did Vatnajökull glacier form?
Vatnajökull began to take on its modern form when glaciers from mountain ranges at elevations between 1200 and 2000 m coalesced. According to numerical models, this stage was reached 1000–1500 years ago. By the time of the settlement (around 874 AD), the glaciers had coalesced into a continuous ice cap.
How deep is the Vatnajökull glacier?
1,250 ft
| Vatnajökull | |
|---|---|
| Location | Iceland |
| Coordinates | 64°24′N 16°48′W |
| Area | 7,900 km2 (3,100 sq mi) |
| Thickness | 380 m (1,250 ft) average |
What kind of glacier is Vatnajökull?
ice cap glacier
Geologists classify Vatnajokull as an ice cap glacier. No other glacier in Iceland, with the exception of Myrdalsjokull glacier, has more precipitation fall or more water draining to the sea than on the south side of Vatnajokull.
Where is Vatnajökull glacier located?
southeastern Iceland
Vatnajökull, English Vatna Glacier, extensive ice field, southeastern Iceland, covering an area of 3,200 square miles (8,400 square km) with an average ice thickness of more than 3,000 feet (900 metres).
How old is the Vatnajökull glacier?
History of Vatnajokull The glacier Vatnajökull began formation 2.500 years ago but three tousand years ago the Ice Age glacier had disappeared altogether. Some glaciers had always been on the highest mountains.
What is Vatnajökull used for?
Glacial meltwater is used for irrigation of crops, as drinking water for millions of people and for the generation of electricity by hydropower plants. Icelandic glaciers contain 3500 km3 of ice, whereof the Vatnajökull ice cap alone holds 3000 km3.
What is Vatnajökull famous for?
Jökulsá is especially notable for its many waterfalls. The river is also the source of Dettifoss, the most powerful waterfall in Europe. In this region, you’ll also find Jökulsárgljúfur, a dramatic 394-ft (120-m) deep river canyon that is considered by many to be one of the most beautiful river canyons in the world.
Can you visit Vatnajökull?
The ice caves are only accessible during winter months, from November and usually throughout March, depending on the weather. The beautiful ice caves are very dangerous if you are not accompanied by a trained guide that knows the glacier from inside out, you should not go there by yourself.
Why is Vatnajökull protected?
The establishment of the Vatnajökull National Park is related to a major national environmental movement in the 1990s to protect the Icelandic Highlands as one of Europe’s largest wilderness areas against physical fragmentations such as dams, power lines and roads.