Description
Book SynopsisA hotspot in the North Atlantic, Iceland is one of the world’s most unusual countries. It is Europe’s second largest island but its most sparsely populated country. Sitting astride the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, linking the North Atlantic plate with the Eurasian plate, it is closer to Greenland than Europe. It lies just south of the Arctic Circle, but, warmed by Gulf Stream waters, has a temperate climate. It has fiery volcanoes and freezing glaciers, striking black sand beaches and hot geysers – the word geyser itself comes from Icelandic. And a geologically young landmass, Iceland is still taking shape: a volcanic eruption in 1963 caused the formation of the new island of Surtsey. Iceland is a fascinating exploration of this most beautiful island. From volcanoes and lava flows to geysers and geothermal pools, from bird life to whale-watching, from national parks, verdant valleys to inland tundra, and from how waterfalls are used for hydro-electric power to Reykjavik’s city life, the book is packed with 200 spectacular colour photographs. Presented in a landscape format and with captions explaining the story behind each entry, Iceland is a stunning collection of images celebrating the world’s most curious island.
Table of ContentsContents
Introduction
Coasts
Isafjordur
Bolungarvik
Akranes
Borgarnes
Keflavik
Husavik
Olafsfjordur
Highlands
Volcanoes (both active and inactive) –
Askja, Eyjafjallajökull, Hrómundartindur
Geysers – Geysir
Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) seen from the highlands
Glaciers
Langjokull
Hofsjokull
Vatnajokull
Mýrdalsjökull
Þórisjökull
Eiríksjökull
Þrándarjökull
Tindfjallajökull
Torfajökull
Snæfellsjökull
Outer Islands
Grimsey – island within the Arctic Circle
Vestmannaeyjar archipelago
Surtsey
Reykjavik & Town Life
Hallgrímskirkja Church
Rauðhólar ("red hills") rock formation
Blue Lagoon thermal pools
Heiðmörk conservation area
Tjörnin lake
Nauthólsvík
Austurvöllur square
Alþingishúsið parliament building
Akureyri - Town
Lake Þingvallavatn and Þingvellir
