Itinerary - South Coast Adventure - 7 Days

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

Itinerary - South Coast Adventure - 7 Days Itinerary - South Coast Adventure - 7 Days DAY 1: REYKJAVÍK AND THE GOLDEN CIRCLE Get ready for a busy day! Today, you will see some of the most popular tourist attractions in the whole of Iceland. Leave Reykjavík and visit Gljúfrasteinn, the home of the most famous Icelandic novelist and Nobel- prize winner, Halldór Laxness, before reaching Þingvellir National Park. The park is not only home to the most important place in Icelandic history, where one of the world's oldest parliaments was founded in 930, but also Iceland's largest natural lake and a lava field, situated right on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, where the Eurasian and 1 North American tectonic plates are moving apart. At Þingvellir you can walk through parts of the ridge. Carry on through the town of Laugarvatn, with a pretty lake baring the same name. Next up, it's the hot spring area of Geysir, including the very active geyser Strokkur, erupting every 5 to 10 minutes. Spend time walking along the paths and looking at the different geothermal phenomena. Carry on to the beautiful Gullfoss waterfall or the "Golden Waterfall". 32 m high and 250 m wide, the water falls into a 70 m deep gorge, allowing for breathtaking views from different viewpoints. Finish the day with a visit to Skálholt church and archaeological remains, one of Iceland’s places of special historical interest. DAY 2: THE ÞJÓRSÁRDALUR VALLEY, HYDROPOWER, AND VIKING SETTLERS Iceland is known for its hydroelectric power, and today you get a chance to check out one of the country's impressive power plant stations in the river Þjórsá, which has a visitor centre open during the summer months. You can also visit Stöng, a captivating replica of a farmhouse from the Viking age. Here, you will find 2 an interesting museum showcasing the living conditions of Iceland's early Viking settlers, before Hekla volcano erupted in 1104. Close by is the original Viking homestead, excavated by archaeologists in 1939, now protected by a roof but easily accessible. The Þjórsárdalur valley has an astonishing landscape, formed by the river Þjórsá and eruptions of Hekla volcano. There are plenty of hiking opportunities around here, for instance to the magnificent gorge Gjáin and to Háifoss waterfall. DAY 3: WATERFALLS, PUFFINS, AND BLACK SAND BEACHES Today is full of beautiful waterfalls and breathtaking nature so brace yourself! You start the day off by visiting one of the most famous waterfalls in Iceland, Seljalandsfoss, a narrow but high and powerful waterfall that you can walk behind (as long as it's not too icy). Breathe in the fresh air and forces of nature, all the while 3 getting dewy from the waterfall. Next up: another beautiful waterfall! This one is called Skógafoss, and has plenty of walking paths and amazing views. The area also has a very interesting folk museum that comes highly recommended. Carry on your drive to reach the Vík area, with spectacular the black sand beaches and views of the impressive cliffs of Reynisdrangar. Watch out for the strong tide along the shore here! And see if you can spot the puffin colonies on the cliff faces of the small peninsula of Dyrhólaey (in the summertime). DAY 4: GLACIER LAGOON, LAVA FIELDS, AND VATNAJÖKULL NATIONAL PARK From Vík, you drive along Mýrdalssandur; a large black sand desert, formed by glacial rivers and glacial floods from one of the nearby glaciers. You also get an up close and personal chance to see Eldhraun (“fire lava”), an impressive lava field from a row of craters called Lakagígar. This is the largest flow of lava in the world, covering 565 km², caused by eruptions in 1783-1784. Another geological phenomenon along the way is a formation of basalt columns known as Kirkjugólf, thought to have been the floor of a medieval church. Kirkjubæjarklaustur also offers attractive and easy hiking opportunities. While driving along the south coast, 4 you will have Vatnajökull glacier powering over you a large part of the way, by far Iceland's largest glacier (and the biggest in Europe), covering one of the most powerful geothermal areas in the world and many active volcanoes. You might even see the highest point in Iceland, Hvannadalshnúkur (2110 m), in the southern part of Vatnajökull. Do you feel like you've already had enough of unbelievable natural phenomena today? Well, we're sorry, but there's another one waiting for you just down the road, the fascinating glacier lagoon, Jökulsárlón! The lagoon is filled with large chunks of ice like diamonds glistening in the sun. The area has several hiking trails and you can also book a boat tour around the lagoon. DAY 5: CLIFFS, WATERFALLS, AND FARMS Start the day by visiting Hali, where you will find a cultural heritage exhibition on the famous Icelandic novelist, Þórbergur Þórðarson. Next up you drive to Skaftafell National Park, which is an excellent area for 5 hiking, such as the 1.5-hour hike to the beautiful waterfall Svartifoss, surrounded by basalt columns. Worth the hike if you have the time and capability. If you are an enthusiastic hiker, you might want a bigger challenge and go on a breathtaking hike to Kristínartindar mountains or Morsárdalur glacier valley. Carry on your journey, pass the impressive inland cliff Lómagnúpur on your way back to Vík. DAY 6: BLACK SAND BEACH AND PRETTY VILLAGES Today, you head back along the south coast and get a chance to visit even more amazing places that the south coast of Iceland has to offer. Start off by going to the black sand beach of Reynisfjara, at the foot of the mountain Reynisfjall. All around you will find interesting geological phenomena, such as cliffs and caves with basalt column formations so take your time. But, watch out for the strong tide along the shore here! Carry on 6 your journey and pass through the town of Selfoss on the banks of the beautiful and powerful river Ölfusá, Iceland's largest river. Spend some time down by the river, breathing in the fresh air. From here, you drive down to the very pretty seaside villages of Eyrarbakki and Stokkseyri, a few minutes apart from one another. Both villages have many lovely old timber houses and pretty churches, as well as some interesting museums and amazing seafood restaurants. Enjoy a nice stroll along the seafront. DAY 7: GEOTHERMAL POWER AND THE CAPITAL AREA Start the day by visiting the lovely town of Hveragerði, home to many greenhouses and located in a very active geothermal area, with hot springs and steam all around town. Hveragerði and the surrounding area offer loads of fantastic hiking opportunities, and there are also some great horse riding possibilities around here. We recommend the hour-long hike from Hveragerði up the mountain hills to Reykjadalur valley, where 7 you can bathe out in nature. Truly an amazing experience! Once you've soaked it all in, you drive over Hellisheiði plateau, which separates the capital area from the south coast of Iceland. You will see many signs of the Hellisheiðarvirkjun geothermal power plant on your way over the plateau. The power plant has a very interesting visitor centre that is worth a visit, where you can learn about how Icelanders utilise geothermal energy for their benefits. There are also some fantastic hiking trails in the Hengill mountain ridge that come highly recommended. Head back to Reykjavík where this tour ends..
Recommended publications
  • Iceland Trip - 2015
    ICELAND TRIP - 2015 TRIP REPORT LOCATION SUMMARIES: Day 1 – June 23 (6/23): This column includes all species seen from the time we arrived at Keflavík International Airport at about 6:30 a.m.; during our breakfast stop at the Keflavík Hotel; as we drove to Reykjavík to pick up our fellow travelers; on our drive north along Route 1 with a detour around Hvalfjörður on Route 47; and along Route 1 north to Routes 54 and 56 to Ólafsvik, arriving at 6:00 p.m. Lodging : Hotel Ólafsvik Day 2 – June 24 (6/24): This column includes all species seen during our early morning walk from Hotel Ólafsvik; as we drove counter-clockwise around the Snӕfellsnes Peninsula (Route 574) with stops at Rif Lagoon, Öndverðarnes, and Lóndrangar; and during our 2.5 km hike from Hellnar to Arnarstapi. (6:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.). Lodging: Hotel Ólafsvik Day 3 – June 25 (6/25): This column includes all species seen from the time we left Hotel Ólafsvik at 7:45 a.m.; during our drive east to the ferry terminal at Stykkishólmur for the 9:00 a.m. departure to Flatey Island; as we walked through the village on Flatey; during our return trip to the mainland starting at 1:00 p.m.; and during our visit to the Berserkjagata lava flows, returning to Stykkishólmur at 6:00 p.m. Lodging: Hotel Stykkishólmur Notes: The ferry to Flatey is large and carries vehicles as well as passengers. The crossing to Flatey takes about 1 hour and 20 minutes.
    [Show full text]
  • Oaklands School Geography Department - Iceland Trip 2019
    Oaklands School Geography Department - Iceland Trip 2019 Skogafoss Waterfall Name: __________________________________ Tutor Group: _____________________________ 1 Part A: Where is Iceland? Iceland is an island formerly belonging to Denmark. It has been a Republic since 1944 and is found in the middle of the North Atlantic Ocean. We will fly to Keflavik and stay near Hvolsvollur in the SW of the island. The map above is an enlargement of the box drawn on the map of Iceland below left. Map area on next Clearly, we are only visiting a small section of page the island, but in this small area you will be blown away by what you will see. Perhaps your visit to the island will prompt you to come back to explore further in the future? 2 Part B: History of Iceland Iceland is only about 20 million years old! It was formed by a series of volcanic eruptions at the Mid- Atlantic ridge. In fact the plume of magma called the Iceland ‘Hot Spot’ is responsible for its continued existence and almost continuous volcanic activity. Exact dates for first human occupancy is uncertain, but the accepted date is 874 for the first permanent settlers from Scandinavia. They settled near Reykjavik (which means ‘smokey cove’ – due to the Geothermal heat). Settlers continued to come from Norway, Scotland and Ireland. The first parliament was held at Thingvellir (pictured right), where chieftains met and agreed laws and rules for the country. The country converted to Christianity in the 11th Century, but pagan worship was tolerated if it was in secret. Civil war followed and the end result was that Iceland accepted Norwegian sovereignty and were ruled by the Norwegian kings.
    [Show full text]
  • Untamed Iceland REYKJAVIK • STYKKISHOLMUR • AKUREYRI • SELFOSS
    Lifetime Learning Institute presents ... Small groups: Never more than 10-16 travelers—guaranteed! Untamed Iceland REYKJAVIK • STYKKISHOLMUR • AKUREYRI • SELFOSS 11 days— Land Tour only— To/From U.S. Greenland Internal flight Sea from $ Land route 05Miles 0 3895 Dalvik 12 days—including international airfare Godafoss Akureyri Lake Myvatn from Washington DC (Dulles)— Stykkisholmur ICELAND Snæfellsnes National $ Park POST-TRIP EXTENSION from 4795 GREENLAND Greenland Thingvellir National Park Sea Additional departure cities are available Reykjavík Gullfoss Keflavík Ammassalik Selfoss Kulusuk ICELAND Reykjavík Seljalandsfoss A tlantic Atlantic Ocean O cean Westman Islands (Pre-trip Extension) I TINERARY S UMMARY JULY 12, 2016 & JULY 13, 2016 It’s Included DAYS DESTINATION LODGING ■ International airfare, airport transfers, govern- 1-2 Fly to Reykjavik, Iceland Hilton Nordica or ment taxes, fees, and airline fuel surcharges similar unless you choose to make your own air 3-4 Stykkisholmur Hotel Stykkisholmur arrangements (please note due to government or similar actions taxes may change) 5-7 Akureyri Icelandair Hotel ■ All land transportation and 1 internal flight Akureyri or similar ■ Accommodations for 10 nights, plus 1 night in 8-9 Fly to Reykjavik • Golden Circle Hotel Selfoss or simi- the U.S. on trips that return in September and lar October Hilton Nordica or ■ 10-11 Reykjavik 22 meals—daily breakfast, 5 lunches, and 6 similar dinners (including 1 Home-Hosted Dinner) 12 Return to U.S. ■ 25 small group activities ■ Services of a resident, English-speaking OAT Trip Leader ■ NEW: Gratuities for local guides, drivers, and luggage porters ■ 5% Frequent Traveler Credit toward your next adventure—an average of $277 Please mention this code when booking: G6-26575 Reservations & Information: Call Toll-Free: 1-800-353-6262 • Press 2 Day 1 Depart U.S.
    [Show full text]
  • Pg42-44 Iceland Land of Fire and Ice.Ai
    10D7N ICELAND-LAND ENKEFS OF FIRE AND ICE FOLLOW US.... Enter into the land of “Fire and Ice” where a country of extremes, with glaciers, waterfalls, volcanic springs and wilderness captivates your senses with its unspoiled beauty. Premier Lounge Travel Validity Period: SELJALANDSFOSS, ICELAND Summer Apr - Aug 2020 HIGHLIGHTS ICELAND REYKJAVIK • Perlan (The Pearl) • Hofdi House • Hallgrimskirkja Church • Blue Lagoon West Iceland 1 Husafell GOLDEN CIRCLE • Thingvellir Naࢼonal Park Reykjavík ICELAND Jökulsárlón • Strokkur geyser • Gullfoss (Golden Falls) waterfall SOUTH COAST 2 1 • Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon Keflavik • Diamond Beach International 1 South Coast • Svarࢼfoss waterfall Airport 1 Hella • ReynisUara Beach Blue Lagoon Flight path • Seljalandsfoss waterfall Selfoss 1 Traverse by coach • Skógafoss waterfall Vik Featured destinations Overnight stays 1 2 WEST ICELAND • Langjökull Glacier DAY 1 view the novel exterior of the Lutheran • Deildartunguhver HOMEREYKJAVIK parish church tower along with the statue Meals on Board of Leifur Eiriksson situated at its front. Assemble at the airport and depart for Tonight, we will stay out of the Reykjavik DELICACIES Reykjavik, the capital of Iceland. city and towards the South Iceland for tomorrow's outing. Meal Plan Note: Due to limited accommodaࢼons available at South DAY 2 Iceland so as to preserve the natural landscape and lesser 7 Breakfasts, 6 Dinners construcࢼons. We may stay at either Hella or Hveragerdi REYKJAVIKBLUE LAGOON depending on availability. HELLA Meals on Board, Dinner 3-4★HOTELS Before reaching the city, warm yourself up with an experience in the amazing Blue DAY 3 HELLA Stracta Lagoon geothermal spa, famous for its HELLASOUTH COAST healing mineral-rich waters surrounded by Breakfast, Dinner SOUTH ICELAND Fosshotel jet-black basalt lava.
    [Show full text]
  • Fast and Partitioned Postglacial Rebound of Southwestern Iceland Guillaume Biessy, Olivier Dauteuil, Brigitte Van Vliet-Lanoë, A
    Fast and partitioned postglacial rebound of southwestern Iceland Guillaume Biessy, Olivier Dauteuil, Brigitte van Vliet-Lanoë, A. Wayolle To cite this version: Guillaume Biessy, Olivier Dauteuil, Brigitte van Vliet-Lanoë, A. Wayolle. Fast and partitioned post- glacial rebound of southwestern Iceland. Tectonics, American Geophysical Union (AGU), 2008, 27 (3), pp.TC3002. 10.1029/2007TC002177. insu-00286999 HAL Id: insu-00286999 https://hal-insu.archives-ouvertes.fr/insu-00286999 Submitted on 29 Jun 2016 HAL is a multi-disciplinary open access L’archive ouverte pluridisciplinaire HAL, est archive for the deposit and dissemination of sci- destinée au dépôt et à la diffusion de documents entific research documents, whether they are pub- scientifiques de niveau recherche, publiés ou non, lished or not. The documents may come from émanant des établissements d’enseignement et de teaching and research institutions in France or recherche français ou étrangers, des laboratoires abroad, or from public or private research centers. publics ou privés. TECTONICS, VOL. 27, TC3002, doi:10.1029/2007TC002177, 2008 Fast and partitioned postglacial rebound of southwestern Iceland G. Biessy,1 O. Dauteuil,1 B. Van Vliet-Lanoe¨,2 and A. Wayolle2 Received 24 June 2007; revised 11 January 2008; accepted 15 February 2008; published 9 May 2008. [1] Located both on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge and postglacial rebound of southwestern Iceland, Tectonics, 27, above a mantle plume, Iceland is subject to horizontal TC3002, doi:10.1029/2007TC002177. and vertical motions. Many studies described these deformations in terms of rifting episodes that have combined both extensional tectonics and magmatism. 1. Introduction However, few studies have described the glacio- [2] In Iceland, the conjunction of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge isostatic response induced by the retreat of the and a mantle plume creates intense tectonic and magmatic Weichselian ice cap.
    [Show full text]
  • ICELAND 2006 Geodynamics Field Trip May 30 – June 8, 2006
    ICELAND 2006 Geodynamics Field Trip May 30 – June 8, 2006 Massachusetts Institute of Technology/ Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution Joint Program in Oceanography This field trip guide was compiled by Karen L. Bice using information from Bryndís Brandsdóttir, Richard S. Williams, Helgi Torfason, Helgi Bjornsson, Oddur Sigurðsson, the Iceland Tourist Board and World W. Web Maps from Thordarson and Hoskuldsson, 2002, Iceland (Classic Geology in Europe 3), Terra Publishing, UK. Logistical genius: Andrew T. Daly Field trip participants: Mark Behn, Karen Bice, Roger Buck, Andrew Daly, Henry Dick, Hans Schouten, Martha Buckley, James Elsenbeck, Pilar Estrada, Fern Gibbons, Trish Gregg, Sharon Hoffmann, Matt Jackson, Michael Krawczynski, Christopher Linder, Johan Lissenberg, Andrea Llenos, Rowena Lohman, Luc Mehl, Christian Miller, Ran Qin, Emily Roland, Casey Saenger, Rachel Stanley, Peter Sugimura, and Christopher Waters The Geodynamics Program is co-sponsored by Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution’s Academic Programs Office and Deep Ocean Exploration Institute. TUESDAY May 30 Estimated driving (km) Meet at Logan Airport, Icelandair ticket counter @ 7:00 PM (80 km ≈ 50 mi) Depart BOS 9:30 PM Icelandair flight Day 1 - WEDNESDAY May 31 Arrive Keflavík International Airport 6:30 AM (flight duration 5 hours) Pick up 2 vans, 2 trailers (Budget) Free day in Reykjavík Night @ Laugardalur campground, Reykjavík Dinner: on own in town Day 2 - THURSDAY June 1 270 Late start due to trailer problems (2 hrs @ AVIS) To Þingvellir N.P., then north to Hvalfjörður fjord, stop at Skorradalsvatn Night @ Sæberg Hostel (1 km. off Rte 1 in Hrútafjörður, west side of road) Tel. 354-4510015 Fax. 354-4510034 [email protected] Dinner: mexican-style chicken (Rachel, Trish, Chris) Day 3 - FRIDAY June 2 320 To Lake Myvatn Lunch stop in Akureyri, stop at Godafoss, stop at Skutustadir pseudocraters Night @ Ferdathjonustan Bjarg campsite, Reykjahlid, on shore of Lake Myvatn Tel.
    [Show full text]
  • BIRDS of ICELAND the Acquisition O F As Many Egg - Shells of Rare Birds As
    MANU AL OF THE BIRDS OF ICELAN D r n N AB E i ur h P inte d T. a d A S d nb g : b y . CO T LE F OR A I D D O L A S D V U G . N N SI PKIN ARS A A I N LO DO M , M H LL , H M LTO , K N AN CO E T D . LTD . CA BRI G AC I AN AN B W S M D E M M LL D O E . G AS G W J A S M L EH OS E AN S NS L O ME AC D O . M A N U A L OF THE BI RD S OF I CELAND F Z . E RY . SLATER M A . S H N H , . , ’ MEMBER O F THE BRITISH ORNITHOLOG ISTS UNION AN R C R OF RN AUG N R AN S D E TO THO H H , O TH T E DI NBURGH V D G DA ID OU LAS, CASTLE STREET 1 90 1 C O N T E N T S T U TI IN ROD C ON , C OS AS T TH A T I L E SE ON AC OF E L H NG , I TS A I R U I ATI H N ON ICEL ND C P ON NC ON , I B IO P H B L GRA Y , BI RDS OF ICELAND " INDE , I L L U S T R A T I O N S ’ A COM PARISON OF THE HEADS OF BARROW S G OLDEN EYE AND COMM G E YE a fte r 3.
    [Show full text]
  • Northern Lights Exploration
    Northern Lights Exploration Northern Lights Exploration 8 days | Starts/Ends: Reykjavik Explore the best of West and South • Eyjafjallajökull Glacier: see the site of the • Visit to multi media presentation at Iceland on our most inclusive famous eruption of April 2010 that halted Eyjafjallajökull Volcano Information Northern Lights tour. Start and end international air travel for a week Center • South Coast: take in the beauty at • Entrance into Skogar folk museum and in Rekyjavik, discover the Golden Skógafoss waterfall, black lava beach & turf houses Circle, climb a volcano, meet bird cliffs at Reynisfjara beach • Entrance with towel into the Blue Lagoon Icelandic horses and relax in the • Vatnajökull National Park region: witness • Services of an English Speaking Icelandic Blue Lagoon. Cruise along fjords Western Europe's largest national park Guide and taste fermented shark all whilst and glacier • Transportation in heated coaches with • looking out for the spectacular Vik: roam Lava fields, black lava beach free Wi-Fi on board and Seljalandsfoss waterfall • Northern Lights programme during 6 Northern Lights on this soft cultural • Blue Lagoon: take a relaxing dip in a evenings with a combination of lectures, adventure. natural geothermal spa surrounded by a presentations, film and guided searches lava field for the Northern Lights and midnight HIGHLIGHTS AND INCLUSIONS • Icelandic Countryside: stay up for a night refreshments showing of the Northern Lights • Use of winter and Northern lights explorer Trip Highlights equipment simple non-slip snow and ice What's Included grippers spikes for shoes and a flash light • Reykjavik: step foot in the Capital of • that is helpful when walking in the dark Iceland 7 breakfasts, 1 lunch and 1 dinner.
    [Show full text]
  • Long-Term Variability of Dust Events in Iceland (1949--2011)
    Discussion Paper | Discussion Paper | Discussion Paper | Discussion Paper | Atmos. Chem. Phys. Discuss., 14, 17331–17358, 2014 www.atmos-chem-phys-discuss.net/14/17331/2014/ doi:10.5194/acpd-14-17331-2014 ACPD © Author(s) 2014. CC Attribution 3.0 License. 14, 17331–17358, 2014 This discussion paper is/has been under review for the journal Atmospheric Chemistry Long-term variability and Physics (ACP). Please refer to the corresponding final paper in ACP if available. of dust events in Iceland (1949–2011) Long-term variability of dust events in P. Dagsson- Waldhauserova Iceland (1949–2011) et al. P. Dagsson-Waldhauserova1,2, O. Arnalds1, and H. Olafsson2,3,4 Title Page 1Agricultural University of Iceland, Hvanneyri, Borgarnes, Iceland 2University of Iceland, Department of Physics, Reykjavík, Iceland Abstract Introduction 3Icelandic Meteorological Office, Reykjavík, Iceland Conclusions References 4Bergen School of Meteorology, Geophysical Institute, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway Tables Figures Received: 26 May 2014 – Accepted: 18 June 2014 – Published: 27 June 2014 Correspondence to: P. Dagsson-Waldhauserova ([email protected]) J I Published by Copernicus Publications on behalf of the European Geosciences Union. J I Back Close Full Screen / Esc Printer-friendly Version Interactive Discussion 17331 Discussion Paper | Discussion Paper | Discussion Paper | Discussion Paper | Abstract ACPD Long-term frequency of atmospheric dust observations was investigated for the south- ern part of Iceland and merged with results obtained from the Northeast Iceland 14, 17331–17358, 2014 (Dagsson-Waldhauserova et al., 2013). In total, over 34 dust days per year on av- 5 erage occurred in Iceland based on conventionally used synoptic codes for dust.
    [Show full text]
  • Long-Term Variability of Dust Events in Iceland (1949-2011)
    1 Long-term variability of dust events in Iceland (1949-2011) 2 3 P. Dagsson-Waldhauserova 1, 2 , O. Arnalds 1, and H. Olafsson 2, 3, 4 4 [1]{Agricultural University of Iceland, Hvanneyri, Borgarnes, Iceland} 5 [2]{University of Iceland, Department of Physics, Reykjavík, Iceland} 6 [3]{Icelandic Meteorological Office, Reykjavík, Iceland} 7 [4]{Bergen School of Meteorology, Geophysical Institute, University of Bergen, Norway} 8 Correspondence to: P. Dagsson-Waldhauserova ([email protected]) 9 10 Abstract 11 Long-term frequency of atmospheric dust observations was investigated for the southern part 12 of Iceland and merged with results obtained from the Northeast Iceland (Dagsson- 13 Waldhauserova et al., 2013). In total, over 34 dust days per year on average occurred in 14 Iceland based on conventionally used synoptic codes for dust observations . However, 15 frequent volcanic eruptions with the re-suspension of volcanic materials and dust haze 16 increased the number of dust events fourfold. Including such codes (04-06) into the criteria 17 for dust observations, the frequency was 135 dust days annually. The position of the Icelandic 18 low determined whether dust events occurred in NE (16.4 dust days annually) or in southern 19 part of Iceland (about 18 dust days annually). The most dust-frequent decade in S Iceland was 20 the 1960s while the most frequent decade in NE Iceland was the 2000s. A total of 32 severe 21 dust storms (visibility < 500 m) was observed in Iceland with the highest frequency during the 22 2000s in S Iceland. The Arctic dust events (NE Iceland) were typically warm , occurring 23 during summer/autumn (May–September) and during mild SW winds, while the Sub-Arctic 24 dust events (S Iceland) were mainly cold, occurring during winter/spring (March–May) and 25 during strong NE winds.
    [Show full text]
  • Adventure in Iceland
    EUROPE Adventure in Iceland 11 days from $5,597 total price from Boston, New York, Wash, DC ($5,295 air & land inclusive plus $302 airline taxes and fees) The second largest island in the North Atlantic, Iceland is a land of massive glaciers, rumbling volcanoes, spouting hot springs, lava fields, and powerful waterfalls. It is also known for its gracious hospitality and relaxed pace. Experience the astonishing natural history and cultural heritage of the land of fire and ice. Pun Island Siglufjordur Husavik Akureyri Godafoss Lake Myvatn Snaefellsnes ICELAND Peninsula Borgarbyggo Gullfoss Thingvellir Nat’l Park Reykjavik Selfoss Overnight Skogafoss Featured Site Visit Gullfoss, Iceland’s immensely popular “golden” waterfall. Vik Air Motorcoach Day 1: Depart the U.S. for Reykjavik, Iceland beautiful Lake Myvatn. One of the world’s natural Avg. High (°F) Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov wonders, Lake Myvatn and its environs of bubbling Lake Myvatn 56 58 59 50 46 37 Reykjavik 54 57 56 52 47 37 Day 2: Reykjavik and Selfoss Arriving early mud flats, lava fields, and lunar-like volcanic craters morning in Iceland’s capital, meet your tour leaders comprise a stunning national park. Walk to view the and have breakfast at a local restaurant. Enjoy a scenic fascinating Hverfjall crater, a local land-mark, and drive east, stopping to view the geothermal exhibit see the region’s unique “pseudo craters,” the boiling Highlights Include at the Hellisheidi Power Plant. After reaching your mud pots at Namaskard, the bizarre lava formations hotel mid-afternoon, enjoy time to relax before this at Dimmuborgir, the explosion crater at Viti, and the Marvel at the stunning, unique natural wonders • Tour evening’s briefing on the journey ahead followed by a flat volcano system at Krafla.(B,D) the beautiful Snaefellsnes Peninsula • Admire Godafoss, welcome dinner.
    [Show full text]
  • Floods in the Ölfusá Basin, Iceland: a Geographic Contribution to the Assessment of Flood Hazard and Management of Flood Risk
    Floods in the Ölfusá basin, Iceland: A geographic contribution to the assessment of flood hazard and management of flood risk Emmanuel Pagneux Faculty of Life and Environmental Sciences University of Iceland 2011 Floods in the Ölfusá basin, Iceland: A geographic contribution to the assessment of flood hazard and management of flood risk Emmanuel Pagneux Thesis submitted for the degree of Philosophiæ Doctor in Geography Supervisors Dr. Guðrún Gísladóttir Faculty of Life and Environmental Sciences University of Iceland Dr. Árni Snorrason Icelandic Meteorological Office Salvör Jónsdóttir, M.Sc. Reykjavík University Doctoral Committee Dr. Guðrún Gísladóttir Faculty of Life and Environmental Sciences University of Iceland Dr. Árni Snorrason Icelandic Meteorological Office Salvör Jónsdóttir, M.Sc. Reykjavík University Opponents Dr. Sally Priest Flood Hazard Research Centre, Middlesex University Dr. Christophe Cudennec Agrocampus Ouest, French National Institute for Agricultural Research Faculty of Life and Environmental Sciences School of Engineering and Natural Sciences University of Iceland Reykjavík, October 2011 Floods in the Ölfusá basin, Iceland: A geographic contribution to the assessment of flood hazard and management of flood risk A thesis submitted for the degree of Philosophiae Doctor in Geography Copyright © 2011 Emmanuel Pagneux All right reserved Faculty of Life and Environmental Sciences School of Engineering and Natural Sciences University of Iceland Askja, Sturlugata 7 IS-101 Reykjavík Iceland Telephone: +354 525 4000 Bibliographic information: Pagneux, E., 2011, Floods in the Ölfusá basin, Iceland: A geographic contribution to the assessment of flood hazard and management of flood risk, PhD dissertation, Faculty of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Iceland, 94pp. ISBN 978-9979-9967-9-8 Printed by Pixel prentþjónusta Reykjavík, October 2011 Contents Abstract ..............................................................................................................................
    [Show full text]