Page 236 - Volcano and Geothermal Tourism

Emerging Volcano and Geothermal Related Tourism in Iceland 213

Figure 14.3 Geological interpretive sign on the rim of the Kerið explosion crater

and a striking coastline. Its tourism marketing is Grindavík on the peninsula and is one of the most
‘Reykjanes Peninsula: Crossing Continents’ visited attractions in Iceland. The water temperature
(Hlooversson and Nielsen, 2008; Figure 14.4). The in the lagoon averages 40°C and the waters are
region sits astride the Mid-Atlantic Ridge and rich in minerals like silica and sulphur. The lagoon
includes virtually every volcanic feature in Iceland is fed by the water output of the nearby geothermal
(Harlow, 2008). Activity during the Ice Age power plant Svartsengi (Wikipedia, 2009b).
produced tuff ridges which run its length, while Superheated water is vented from the ground near
post-glacial lavas and craters are also found. a lava flow and used to run turbines that generate
Several high-temperature geothermal areas are electricity. After going through the turbines, the
found on the Reykjanes peninsula, two of which steam and hot water pass through a heat exchanger
have been harnessed to generate electricity, at to provide heat for the Keflavik municipal hot
Svartsengi and Hengill. A further two geothermal water heating system, then the water is fed into
power stations are currently under construction: the lagoon for recreational and medicinal users to
Hellisheiði Power Station and Reykjanes Power bathe in.
Station. At Svartsengi, the Gjáin visitor centre The super-heated seawater is rich in blue-
explains geological history, and nearby is the Blue green algae, mineral salts and fine silica mud
Lagoon spa, whose mineral-rich waters are giving it a bright blue colour. The waters are
internationally known for their curative powers surrounded by black lava with the steam rising
(Erfurt-Cooper and Cooper, 2009). In many from the geothermal plant adding to the surreal
geothermal areas villages have sprung up growing setting. While more of a spa setting than a
fruits and vegetables in greenhouses heated by the geotourism one, nevertheless the fabulous
hot springs. geological setting provides tourists with an
incredible geologically inspired experience
The Blue Lagoon enhanced by its Lava Restaurant built into the cliff
On the peninsula is the Blue Lagoon, one of and featuring a natural lava wall.
Iceland’s major tourist attractions (Figure 14.5). Nearby in Gjáin (The Rift) is a dramatic
The geothermal spa is located in a lava field in exhibition of Icelandic geology. It comprises an

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