Geothermal Activity at Krýsuvík

The Krýsuvík Geothermal Area is characterized by mud pots, hot springs, steaming vents, and vibrant mineral deposits that color the landscape. This intense geothermal activity is due to Iceland’s tectonic plates.

Iceland is traversed by the Mid-Atlantic Rift, with the western part of the country, including Reykjavík, the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, and the Westfjords, located on the North American tectonic plate, while the eastern part, including the East Fjords and Vatnajökull National Park, lies on the Eurasian plate.

This rift runs through the Reykjanes Peninsula, significantly impacting the landscape. As the plates pull apart, magma rises close to the earth’s surface, heating groundwater and creating geothermal areas.

Krýsuvík is not the only geothermal hotspot on the peninsula; Gunnuhver and a hot spring beneath the lake of Kleifarvatn are also notable.

The separation of these tectonic plates makes the Reykjanes Peninsula prone to earthquakes. The area is dotted with cone-shaped volcanoes and covered in lava rock, evidencing a long volcanic history.

Exploring Krýsuvík

Krýsuvík stands out as a geothermal area well-prepared for visitors. Walkways safely guide you across the uneven terrain to various features, with numerous signs explaining the geothermal and geological forces at play.