Sunday, April 13, 2014

Solheimajokull Glacier Walk


Glaciers and ice caps in Iceland cover over 11,400 kms of the island.  Many tourists want to see glaciers when they visit here.  This glacier is no different.

Where this yellow warning sign is located is actually where this glacier WAS twenty years ago.  It has receded/melted a total of more than 4 kilometres.  Global warming is very apparent in Iceland.


Without proper attire and foot wear, it is difficult to traverse the glacier.  Slippery.  But we didn't need to go too far to be able to actually touch and stand on the glacier.  A huge bucket list moment for me.


I was on the hunt for the proverbial 'glacial blue ice.'  It is covered and hidden by a great deal of volcanic ash.  I had expected, as I have never seen a glacier before, a clean, white, majestic chunk of ice.
I was not disappointed, just aware.



Many of the glaciers here in Iceland lie on top of volcanos.  As a result of this, when there is volcanic activity, there can be a sudden flash flooding of glacial waters flooding farm land below.
Below are visitors climbing up to touch the glacier.


More blue glacial ice.  Knowing that this glacier has been here for more than 10,000 years, I picked up some rocks that had been buried underneath it and brought them home.  I love rocks with a history!


A thought to ponder.
What becomes of Iceland when the glaciers and ice caps melt?  Iceland is known for these wonders.  Global warming will be the death of these beautiful, quiet living phenomenons. 
A sad reality.


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