Vatnajökull

Vatnajökull (formerly known as Klofajökull) is a vast ice cap located in southeast Iceland. It is the largest glacier in the country by both surface area and volume, and the largest glacier in Europe by volume. Vatnajökull covers approximately 8,100 km² and reaches thicknesses of up to one kilometer, with an average ice thickness of around 400 meters.

Before the 14th century, Vatnajökull was considerably smaller than it is today. The glacier reached its maximum extent in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, but has been in continuous retreat since around 1930. It is believed that Vatnajökull may once have consisted of two separate glaciers, which explains its former name, Klofajökull.

Beneath Vatnajökull lie some of Iceland’s most powerful and active volcanic systems. Among the best known are Grímsvötn, one of the country’s most active volcanoes, as well as Öræfajökull, Bárðarbunga, and Gjálp. Volcanic eruptions beneath the glacier have repeatedly caused major glacial floods, known as jökulhlaups.

Approximately 30 outlet glaciers flow from Vatnajökull, including well-known glaciers such as Skaftafellsjökull, Svínafellsjökull, and Breiðamerkurjökull. These glaciers carve deep valleys and create some of Iceland’s most iconic landscapes.

The area surrounding Skaftafell was designated a national park in 1967. With the establishment of Vatnajökull National Park in 2007, the entire glacier and extensive surrounding regions were placed under protection. The park объедин unified the former national parks of Skaftafell and Jökulsárgljúfur, creating Iceland’s largest protected natural area.

Vatnajökull is one of the most influential natural features in Iceland. The interaction between glaciers, volcanoes, rivers, and climate has shaped the surrounding landscape for thousands of years, making the region a globally unique example of the dynamic forces that continue to form the island.

Source: Wikipedia