Your log must have a photo attached which clearly shows a person standing with both arms raised OR your hand and arm making a 'Stop' signal at an iceberg on Diamond beach or at Jökulsárlón Lagoon
The surreal beauty of sparkling icebergs scattered across a black sand beach has made Diamond Beach a magnet for photographers and nature enthusiasts from around the world. The contrast between the icebergs the manner in which they glisten against the black volcanic sand gives Diamond Beach its unique appearance. These icebergs, like frozen sculptures, bring a touch of magic to this unique beach, creating a scene that’s both captivating and serene.
The transient beauty of the melting glaciers and the subsequent appearance of icebergs on Diamond Beach near Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon evoked a profound sense of melancholy and contemplation for me. This melancholy stems from the stark and visceral reminder they provide of the ongoing and accelerating impacts of climate change.
The scene at Diamond Beach also reflects a deep connection to nature and its processes. Witnessing the journey of icebergs from glacier to ocean is a powerful experience, one that can inspire a sense of awe and a deeper appreciation for the natural cycles that govern our world. This connection, while beautiful, also highlights the fragility of these cycles in the face of human-induced changes. It serves as a reminder of the need to cherish and protect our planet, not just for our sake but for future generations.
Diamond Beach serves as a dramatic visual representation of glacial melting and iceberg calving processes. Icebergs from the Breiðamerkurjökull glacier, part of the larger Vatnajökull ice cap, break off and float into Jökulsárlón lagoon before making their way to the ocean. As they reach the Atlantic Ocean, they are often washed back onto the black volcanic sand beach, creating a stark contrast that highlights the ongoing processes of natural ice sculpture formation and decay.
Diamond Beach acts as a tangible indicator of climate change. The presence, size, and number of icebergs on the beach can vary significantly, reflecting changes in temperature, glacial melt rates, and the dynamics of the glacier from which they originate. This makes it an important site for observing the immediate impacts of global warming on glacial environments.
While there's a good chance of seeing icebergs on Diamond Beach throughout the year, weather conditions, seasonal factors and tidal conditions may mean that there are no icebergs on the beach. If this is the case you will find some on the Jökulsárlón Lagoon which is short walk away.
The nearby Jökulsárlón Lagoon is a breathtaking natural attraction but also a crucial site for geological and environmental research, offering valuable insights into the impacts of climate change, glacial dynamics, and ecosystem development in glacially influenced environments.
The Jökulsárlón Lagoon formed in the 1930s when the Breiðamerkurjökull glacier started retreating. Since then, it has grown considerably in size due to increased glacial melting, a clear indicator of rising global temperatures. The lagoon is now the deepest lake in Iceland, reflecting the rapid pace of glacial retreat. It is in the mouth of a 200-300m deep and 25km long trough that the glacier has carved out over the last millennia.
Since the lagoon's formation in the 1930s, the glacier has retreated by more than a kilometre. Specific measurements of the retreat rate vary, but the general trend shows an acceleration in recent decades. For example, from the 1970s to the early 2000s, the glacier retreated by several kilometres, and the lagoon has grown in size accordingly, from approximately 7.9 square kilometres in 1975 to over 18 square kilometres today.
The icebergs that break off from the glacier float around in the lake. They are carried to the sea by currents, winds and tides.
As the lagoon expands, it has created new habitats for wildlife, leading to changes in the local ecosystem. The mix of fresh and salt water in the lagoon supports a variety of fish, which in turn attract birds and seals.
Waterproof and insulated boots or hiking shoes are essential for exploring Iceland’s varied terrain.
Note: Crampons are also recommended as the trails and carparks may have frozen compacted ice.
To log this cache:
You have two options for the pose required in the photo with an iceberg on Diamond Beach.
Firstly you can stand andraise both arms in the air to signify you are asking for attention or help for the planet while standing close to or on an iceberg on Diamond Beach.
Or
Alternatively if you prefer, or are travelling solo, you can taking a selfie while making the international 'Stop' signal while standing next to, or on an iceberg on Diamond beach to signify the need to stop global warming.
To make the stop signal stand firmly, extend your arm, raise one arm so its straight out from your shoulder, your palm should face forwards/outwards
Stopping or significantly mitigating global warming is crucial for several reasons, each deeply interconnected with the health of our planet and the well-being of all its inhabitants.
Cache Logging Requirements
To log this Virtual Geocache:
You can either take a picture with/on/beside an iceberg (within a reasonable proximity of the Diamond Beach or Jökulsárlón Lagoon) with both your arms raised . Or alternatively you can make the "Stop" signal with your arm and hand with your palm facing forwards. The beach or lagoon must be clearly identifiable in the background. Attach this photo to your found log. For those opting to take a close up picture with an iceberg, the beach or lagoon must be recognizable in the photo.
Take a photo that clearly identifies that you are on Diamond beach (it must show the sea, sand and horizon) with an iceberg, with both arms raised OR while making the 'Stop' signal with one arm and hand.
a) With an iceberg (with your arms raised or while making the 'Stop' signal with your arm and hand) that has washed up on Diamond Beach with the sea, sand and horizon clearly identifiable.
OR If there are no icebergs on the beach
b) In the foreground of or close to an iceberg floating on the Jökulsárlón lagoon, with the horizon clearly identifiable. Either raise both your arms OR making the 'Stop' signal with your arm and hand
You do not need to show your face in the photo however you do need to make the 'Stop' signal sign with your hand.
Please Note:
The picture should clearly display an iceberg with your arms raised or with one arm and hand making the 'Stop' signal at Diamond Beach or Jökulsárlón Lagoon. Unclear pictures will not be accepted.
The gesture you make must be included in the picture at the time of taking it and not added afterwards and it should not be digitally added.
Pictures taken from an unreasonable distance from GZ will not be accepted.
Do Not send me the picture, attach to your log.
Logs without a picture may be deleted without notification. If you plan to post the picture at later time, please post a "Write Note" rather than a "Found it" log.
In regards to Group pictures, the same photo is permitted. The group photo should be uploaded to the log of each finder.
Virtual Rewards 4.0 - 2024-2025
This Virtual Cache is part of a limited release of Virtuals created between January 17, 2024 and January 17, 2025. Only 4,000 cache owners were given the opportunity to hide a Virtual Cache. Learn more about Virtual Rewards 4.0 on the Geocaching Blog.