golden circle
discussions on climate change:
anticipating the Gulf Stream collapse
anticipating the Gulf Stream collapse
about
Kerið Volcanic Crater Lake
Kerið is a 6,500-year-old, volcanic crater located along the Golden Circle Route. its striking conical shape captures attention, adorned with maroon volcanic rock and black sediment stripes, alongside the blue lake nestled at the crater's base. this perfect cone formed when the magma chamber collapsed upon itself after the lava was depleted during its eruption.
The Secret Lagoon, (not a secret anymore)
as Iceland's oldest geothermal swimming pool, the Secret Lagoon has been a beloved local destination since its establishment in 1891. situated in the Golden Circle region, Gamla Laugin, meaning 'the old pool,' offers a cozy atmosphere and is the ideal spot for those wishing to escape the crowds.
Geysir Geothermal Area
iceland is truly powered by geothermal energy, (though this energy also isn't limitless)! picture yourself showering in water with a sulfuric scent, then finding yourself surrounded by bubbling mud pools in a landscape filled with mysterious steam vents and dynamic, erupting hot springs. the Strokkur Geyser, which erupts every 5 to 10 minutes, shoots water up to 20 meters into the sky.
Gullfoss Waterfall (Games of Thrones fans will know it)
Gullfoss, known as the “Golden Falls", features a massive cascade that drops in two stages: the first stage plunges 11 meters (36 ft), followed by a 21-meter (69 ft) drop, creating a roaring spectacle as it tumbles into the canyon and sends up a massive spray of mist. this waterfall symbolizes early environmentalism in Iceland; Sigríður Tómasdóttir, recognized as the country's first environmentalist, tirelessly fought against the construction of a hydroelectric plant at the falls to protect its natural beauty.
Thingvellir National Park
Thingvellir holds great significance in both Icelandic culture and geology. established by the Vikings in 930 AD, Alþing, Iceland's parliament, is considered the world's first (open-air) parliament, reflecting the nation’s Norse heritage and its evolution from early settlers to a country governed by a general assembly. in 2004, Thingvellir was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, as it uniquely allows visitors to walk through a rift valley situated at the divergent boundary between the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates. this splitting area is part of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, with its only visible section found in Iceland, while the rest lies submerged in the ocean. the movement of these tectonic plates contributes significantly to earthquake activity, providing clear evidence of the powerful forces at work beneath the earth’s surface.
ongoing discussions during this trip surrounded our planet's vulnerability, particularly in light of the predicted collapse of the Gulf Stream within the next few decades. this potential shift raises concerns about the profound impacts on global climate patterns and ecosystems, reminding us of the delicate balance we must strive to protect. a collapse of the Gulf Stream could result in major consequences for weather patterns around the world, potentially causing colder temperatures in Europe, rising sea levels along the U.S. East Coast, and disturbances in global weather systems.Sed cursus turpis vitae tortor. Donec posuere vulputate arcu.Curabit ur ligula sapien, tincidunt non, euismod vitae, posuere imperdiet.