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Iceland

Mývatn is a shallow lake situated in an area of active volcanism in the north of Iceland, not far from Krafla volcano. It has a high amount of biological activity. The lake and the surrounding wetlands provides a habitat for a number of waterbirds, especially ducks. The lake was created by a large basaltic lava eruption 2300 years ago, and the surrounding landscape is dominated by volcanic land forms, including lava pillars and rootless vents. The effluent river Laxá is known for its rich fishing for brown trout and Atlantic salmon.

Another view from the highway.

Beggi explaining the pseudo crater field formed by steam explosions when lava flowed over wet earth at Skutustadir.

It smelled like rotten eggs too.

We view the large earthquake faults that run through Iceland in this area. This is amazing to see.

This area the earth has been affected by the Krafla caldera and Namaskard Geothermic areas nearby causing earthquakes and separation of the earth.

Looking down into the earthquake driven faults.

The Skútustaðagígar pseudo-craters are located in the Lake Mývatn area. The craters themselves are not magma-producing volcanic vents but were formed by gas explosions when boiling lava flowed over the cool, wet surfaces about 2,300 years ago. The smell is worse than rotten eggs in the air.

This area is known for its whimsical "Black Castles" lava formations of Dimmuborgir. where it is said a lonely troll is said to have lived.

According to legend, he was paid a visit by his friends, and they stayed up dancing and celebrating all night long..until the early light of the day turned them to stone.

Walking by a large crater left by explosions millions of years ago.

Looking down into the same crater.

The ocean weaving in and out of the lush summertime green.

In the distance is a reminder of the harsh winters with snow that never melts.

Amazing how flowers spring forth from nothing but crushed volcanic rock.

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