The Land of Fire and Ice. Just like the name, we expected to see the volcanic and glacial activity in Iceland. We can see glacial activity in Vatnajökull National Park and Jökulsárlón, but, for volcanic acitivity, we have to have enough fortune because the timing of volcanic activity is unpredictable. However, we can always see the evidence of this massive activity through the remain lava flows that froze and form a lava field in Iceland.
One of the famous lava fields in Iceland is Eldhraun (meaning; fire lava); known to be the largest lava field in the world. When people mention lava fields in Iceland, most likely they meant this site. Covers 565 square kilometer, it formed between 1783 and 1784 when Laki fissure and the neighboring Grímsvötn volcano erupted. This was consider as the most poisonous and the biggest volcanic eruptions since the ice age. The effects of this eruption, such as changed in weather, failed crops, blocked sunlight were not only experienced in Iceland, but also around the world. The worst consequences were felt in Europe as it made the summer of 1783 was the hottest on record.
On our way back to Reykjavík, we stopped in this site to admire the beauty that formed by the great power of Mother Earth. It was easy to find this site because it located along ring road, between Vík and Skaftafell in South Iceland. Today, the lava field is almost 250 years old. The vegetation has come back as moss is covering the lava. Because of that, many people call it Mossy Lava Field. The moss that covers the lava field is a special type of moss called wolly fringe moss. The moss make this field looks like alien and unearthy. The fun fact is, in 1960, NASA astronauts used Eldhraun lava field to train the Apollo 11 mission. They believed that the lanscape and geological condition similar with those on the moon.
We can easily access this site through the entrance beside the ring road that will bring us to small carpark. There was a short path for tourist to observe and enjoy the beauty. Although we can see people dancing in and trampling on the moss in Justin Bieber dan Major Lezer "Cold Water" video clip, stepping on lava is prohibited as it would endanger the ecosystem. The moss is very fragile and need a hundred year to grow. We have to respect the moss by not touching and stepping on it because if it damaged, it will take decades to heal.
Read more about Iceland trip in here.
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