Thursday, October 1, 2015

Iceland: Part 3 - volcanic sculptures

The volcanic activity on Iceland has created some stunning landscapes straight out of a fairy tale.  The Laki lava field is a perfect example.

The last eruption in 1783 left a vast swath of globular lava formations.  Over 200 years later, moss has covered the rock, creating a soft otherworldly terrain.

Laki lava field

Laki lava field

The lava field stretches as far as the eye can see in every direction.

Laki lava field

It's a quiet place, the only sound being the wind.

Laki lava field

The mossy stones look like comfy pillows...

Laki lava field

200-year old moss close up:

200-year old moss

By contrast, a geometric formation is revealed not far away at Reynisfjara beach.

Reynisfjara Beach

Basalt columns jut out of a black pebble beach...

Reynisfjara Beach

...and fan out to form a cave.

Reynisfjara Beach

Nature's hectagon:

Basalt hexagon

The columns then take a dramatic turn, swirling inward like a stone kaleidoscope.

Reynisfjara Beach

I've never seen anything quite like this.

Reynisfjara Beach 

More to come...

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