HVERAVELLIR - hot spring plains EarthCache
HVERAVELLIR - hot spring plains
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"In the centre of Iceland, on a mountain road called Kjalvegur, there is a unspoiled and protected area called Hveravellir (hot spring plains)."
"The landscape in the region has been shaped by the glaciers of the last Ice Age, which receded some 10 thousand years ago. (...) In a hollow near its northern end is the Hveravellir high-temperature area (over 150°C 1000 m underground), 630 m above s.l.
The oldest written description of the area, from 1752, describes the hot springs, from one of which (named Öskurhóll or Shrieking mound) rumblings and whistling noises issued forth. The water in the hot springs contains large amounts of dissolved substances and as it rises to the surface it cools and various substances are deposited to form crusts around the springs. The unusually colourful crusts formations at Hveravellir are mainly of silica. (...)
Because of the unique hot spring area, Hveravellir was declared a nature preserve in 1960 in accordance with the laws on natural conservation."
The information within quotes is obtained from the following sources:
1) (visit link)
2) (visit link)
There you can get information in different languages.
We were very impressed of this area!
1) OPTIONAL: Add a photo of you and your GPS in front of the sign "Hveravellir" or in the hot tub.
2) Please mail me the answer to the following questions: Hveravellir is positioned between two glaciers. What are the names?
What is the temperature of the hot tub? If you bring your own thermometer you will be able to take the daily temperature - otherwise please guess.
Please note that the road to Hveravellir usually opens in the middle of June and it remains open until September or October, but it depends on the weather.
Additional Hints
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