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INTRODUCTION. 13 largely composed of obsidian—a black glass-like volcanic product. Myvatn is surrounded on all sides with lava and crater-cones, and is studded with innumerable crater-islets; and when seen under a wild sunset sky, with ‘ Clouds in grandeur breaking In the richly crimsoned west,’ to harmonize with its weird surroundings, forms a magnificent landscape, one which will not be easily effaced from the memory of the beholder. The recollection of such a scene, it has been rightly said, ‘ will seem rather the fantastic image of a dream than a reminiscence of one’s actual life.’ In the south part of the country, not far distant from the coast, is a famous volcano, the Kotlugja (Cauldron-rift), a terrible crater- fissure amidst the glaciers of the Myrdals Jokull (Muir-dale Glacier), whicli has laid waste a larger tract of country since the island was inhabited than any other volcano. Thirteen eruptions are recorded. It is said that this volcanic outlet has never been visited ; although it is believed there are no difficulties in the way of making an ascent but what would be readily overcome by an experienced mountaineer, the altitude of the Myrdals Jokull being less than 6,000 feet. Here is an opportunity for any member of the Alpine Club desirous of placing his foot in an unexplored crater sur- rounded with virgin ice! Route 2 will conduct him to the farm which should be made a base for the ascent. The monarch of the Icelandic mountains, the Orcefa Jokull (6,455 feet, Gunnlaugsson ; 5,927 feet, Watts), is also, as far as is known, a virgin peak. It is a volcano, and eruptions in a.d. 1341, 1362, 1598, and 1727 are recorded. About midway between the Myrdals and Orcefa Joklar is also another volcanic region well worthy of a visit. In a.d. 1783 prodigious floods of lava burst forth from rifts in and adjacent to the river valleys at the base of the Skaptar Jokull (? Shaft-river Glacier), the westernmost of the ice-clad group of mountains known as the Vatna Jokull (Water Glacier). ‘ These eruptions,’ it is said, ‘ were of a magnitude unparalleled on the earth in historic times; ’ and the calculations of Professor Bischoff show that the cubic contents of the lava-floods which then issued exceed those of Mont Blanc. Rushing seaward down the river-valleys the glowing lava formed fiery cascades where the ousted rivers had recently leaped over precipices, and now that these are solid rock they present the appearance of petrified cataracts. These lava-
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Guide to Iceland

Year
1882
Language
English
Pages
216


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