Overview
About Hverir geothermal area
Part of the Krafla system
Námafjall lies within the Krafla fissure swarm, approximately four kilometres south of the caldera. Faults and fractures influence where geothermal fluids reach the surface. Measurements of electrical resistivity indicate that the geothermal system extends beyond its most conspicuous surface features, so the visible steaming ground represents only part of the heated subsurface environment.
Altered rock and industrial traces
Geothermal activity has altered and bleached the surrounding rock, while sulphur and other mineral deposits colour parts of the ground yellow, orange and red. Some prominent steam outlets are associated with old boreholes made during attempts to exploit sulphur. The landscape therefore contains traces of resource extraction as well as naturally occurring vents.
Fragile geothermal ground
Designated paths concentrate foot traffic around the mud pools and vents. Remaining on them protects fragile surface formations and reduces exposure to dangerously hot geothermal ground. The absence of obvious flowing water does not make a steaming area safe to cross.
Article reviewed .
