This post is a part of the A-Z April Challenge
Caves are always an exciting place to visit. But if the caves are made up of ice, they become doubly exciting. And simply put, Gorgeous.
Ice caves are temporary structures that form usually at the edge of Glaciers. Iceland, as if it didn't have its share of jaw-dropping beauty already, is home to this cave that is located on the base of the Svinafellsjokull Glacier, in Skaftafell. The old ice, which could possibly be centuries old, that comes down the slope of the glacier has matured into Ice that is under high pressure and has virtually no air bubbles.
The lack of air leads to it absorbing almost all visible light, giving it a bluish tinge. The blue ice is visible mostly in the winters when there has been significant rainfall and the surface layer of the glacier has been washed away. The cave has a 22 foot entrance and gradually squeezes down to a mere 4 foot exit. The cave is safe to visit only in the winters as the ice then will be hard. You will hear quite a few creaky sounds anyway. Don't be scared, Its just the glacier moving.
Enough of Science behind it, just enjoy its magnificence. There are a few ice caves around the globe, but this one with its blue ice takes the cake. Iceland has become a part of the Euro-trip now.
Caves are always an exciting place to visit. But if the caves are made up of ice, they become doubly exciting. And simply put, Gorgeous.
Ice caves are temporary structures that form usually at the edge of Glaciers. Iceland, as if it didn't have its share of jaw-dropping beauty already, is home to this cave that is located on the base of the Svinafellsjokull Glacier, in Skaftafell. The old ice, which could possibly be centuries old, that comes down the slope of the glacier has matured into Ice that is under high pressure and has virtually no air bubbles.
The lack of air leads to it absorbing almost all visible light, giving it a bluish tinge. The blue ice is visible mostly in the winters when there has been significant rainfall and the surface layer of the glacier has been washed away. The cave has a 22 foot entrance and gradually squeezes down to a mere 4 foot exit. The cave is safe to visit only in the winters as the ice then will be hard. You will hear quite a few creaky sounds anyway. Don't be scared, Its just the glacier moving.
Enough of Science behind it, just enjoy its magnificence. There are a few ice caves around the globe, but this one with its blue ice takes the cake. Iceland has become a part of the Euro-trip now.
Sheer magnificence indeed :)
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