The Compass: Iceland ~ Historian Fact

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The Compass: Iceland

October 31, 2020 No comments

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Iceland

An island of mystery, history, and mesmerizing landscapes, Iceland is a theater for Earth’s natural drama—from the spurting geysers and bubbling mud pools that punctuate its countryside, to the massive ice sheets that shroud its volcanic mountains. Join us this week as we discover how one Icelandic volcano set a magma speed record, take a road trip through the land of fire and ice, and learn about the eerie folktales behind Iceland’s natural wonders.
Let’s explore Iceland.

SCIENCE & ENVIRONMENT

The first fin whale of the 2013 whaling season is brought in to Hvalfjord, Iceland, just outside of Reykjavik. The country's two whaling companies will not hunt this year, and possibly ever again.

PHOTOGRAPH BY SIGTRYGGUR JOHANNSSON, REUTERS

Commercial whaling may be over in Iceland

Citing the pandemic, whale watching, and a lack of exports, one of the three largest whaling countries may be calling it quits.

Iceland's glacier Breiðamerkurjökull is melting. And local people stand to lose more than some even know.

PHOTOGRAPH BY JAN MICHAEL HOSAN, FOTOGLORIA/LUZ/REDUX

As glaciers disappear, humans lose a lot more than ice

A warming world is profoundly changing human culture and history—and it may just be the beginning.

Today, the Icelandic Forest Service has taken on the mammoth task of bringing back the woodlands. With the help of forestry societies and forest farmers, Iceland’s trees are slowly beginning to make a comeback.

FOOTAGE BY EUFORGEN

Iceland is growing new forests for the first time in 1,000 years

The landscape of Iceland has changed a lot in a thousand years.

Lava sprays during an eruption of the Holuhraun fissure at the Bardarbunga volcano in Iceland. Researchers studying a similar but much more ancient Icelandic event called the Borgahraun eruption have revealed that it set a speed record for magma rising from the base of the crust to the surface.

PHOTOGRAPH BY ARCTIC IMAGES, ALAMY

Magma speed record set by Icelandic volcano

The ancient event was the geologic equivalent of a sprinting cheetah—and it may help researchers better understand how to detect future eruptions.

TRAVEL & ADVENTURE

DREAM NOW, GO LATER

The massive, sheer walls of Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon are believed to have formed around 10,000 years ago at the end of the last Ice Age. Tread a walking path by the canyon’s edge, or if you're feeling daring, hike inside the canyon—wading through the Fjaðrá River’s chilly waters while enjoying the majestic view.

PHOTOGRAPH BY ANDRE KOHLS, REDUX

20 photos of Iceland’s majestic landscapes

From glacial lagoons to volcanic caves, fill out your Iceland bucket list with these stunning destinations.

A brightly painted farmstead in Glaumbær, Iceland, contrasts with verdant landscape.

PHOTOGRAPH BY FEDERICA GENTILE, GETTY IMAGES

Iceland's turf houses merge beautifully with nature

This architectural tradition was brought to Europe by the Vikings more than a thousand years ago.

A man hikes over Svinafellsjokull, or Svinafell Glacier, in the Vatnajökull National Park using crampons and an ice axe during a glacier walk.

PHOTOGRAPH BY GABBY SALAZAR, NAT GEO IMAGE COLLECTION

Take an epic road trip through the land of fire and ice

Iceland's Ring Road is steeped in natural wonder and mythical lore.

The Hallgrímskirkja can be seen from almost anywhere in Iceland's capital.

PHOTOGRAPH BY TRAVELPIX LTD, GETTY IMAGES

Iceland’s tallest church was inspired by volcanoes

The Hallgrímskirkja echoes the shapes of cooling lava—and offers unparalleled views of Reykjavík.

According to Icelandic folklore, the basalt rock formations off the coast of Vik were once trolls.

PHOTOGRAPH BY SMITT, GETTY IMAGES

The eerie folktales behind Iceland’s natural wonders

Beware of trolls.

Elves seem to suit Iceland's otherworldly landscape.

PHOTOGRAPH BY KOMYVGORY, GETTY IMAGES

More than half of this country believes in elves

For real.

FACT OR FICTION?

Is Iceland really green and Greenland really icy?

LEARN MORE

WHERE WILL WE JOURNEY TO NEXT?

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