Nature & Environment Mar 02, 2015

Bárðarbunga & Vatnajökull Prove Iceland is Truly the Land of Fire and Ice

Mashable recently shared 11 photos of two of Iceland's most stunning natural phenomena.

Updated 3/2/2015

The eruption at Holuhraun has officially ended. Fortunately, photographers captured the incredible natural event before the eruption’s end. Check out the images below to relive the sixth months of Bárðarbunga’s eruptions. 


The Holuhraun lava field, located just north of the Vatnajokull ice cap in the Icelandic Highlands, was created by fissure eruptions. Over the past six months, the volcano has been constantly erupting, creating a fiery lava field the size Manhattan, splitting the ground and covering the typically snowy and icy Icelandic scenery. In contrast, temporary ice caps have formed around the edge of several glaciers, creating massive and impressive ice caves.

Mashable recently shared 11 unbelievable pictures of these incredible natural occurrences. According to Brian Koerber, “for just a short period of time, visitors to Iceland can visit two of the most beautiful locations and opposite natural wonders on earth.” It’s no wonder Iceland is known as the “Land of Fire and Ice.”

The contrast between the vibrant colors of the lava and the cool tones of the ice in this photographic sequence are bound to impress viewers. The dark soil makes the lava’s iridescent color pop amongst the rugged terrain, which is typically blanketed with ice and snow. This ongoing volcanic eruption, which began in August 2014, continues to attract photographers and tourists from around the world.

For those interested in seeing the erupting volcano, hurry up–Scientists and the Icelandic Met Office have predicted that the volcano will cease to erupt in March of 2015. Click here to see more of the beautiful photos, and click here to book your trip on Icelandair to experience these feats of nature for yourself! 

Photo Credit: Iurie Belegurschi

Photo Credit: Iurie Belegurschi

 

 

 

 

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