Overview
About Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon
A recent and changing lake
The lagoon began forming around 1934–1935 and expanded as the glacier retreated. Icebergs break from the glacier margin and float across the water. Its connection to the ocean allows tidal seawater to enter, bringing warmth as well as fish. The lagoon therefore links glacial processes inland with marine processes at the coast.
Habitats around the ice
Retreating glaciers expose new ground where vegetation and animal communities gradually establish themselves. Around Jökulsárlón, sand, grassland and wetlands form a varied habitat mosaic. Breiðamerkursandur supports nesting great skuas, red-throated divers, greylag geese and barnacle geese; seals gather near river mouths. The wider area is valuable for observing ecological succession alongside rapid glacier change.
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