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Content accurate at time of publication
01 Jun 2011
Strokkur (Icelandic for churn) is a fountain geyser located beside the Hvita river in Iceland’s south-west geothermic region. Every few minutes, it erupts to an average height of 20m for a few seconds, creating a dramatic spectacle.
Almost always found in areas with volcanic activity, geysers erupt when extremely hot water (the result of underground water meeting magma-heated rocks located deep in the Earth) forces itself through cooler water nearer the surface, much like the explosion caused by a faulty
pressure cooker.
Less than 100m away from Strokkur is the even grander The Great Geysir, which boasts one of the highest sprays ever recorded, at about 100m. Unfortunately, it is largely dormant these days.
Strokkur and The Great Geysir are located in a geothermal park that attracts throngs of visitors every year. Expect a landscape of belching sulphurous mud pots of unusual colours, hissing steam vents, hot and cold springs, and primitive plants.
To understand this phenomenon better, visit The Geysir Centre opposite the geothermal field, where you can also avail yourself of its restaurant, hotel, gas station, 4WD vehicle rental and other visitor facilities.
PHOTO MASSIMO BREGA, THE LIGHTHOUSE/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY
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