Black outcrops of vesicular basalt jut into and out of the Blue Lagoon, offering otherworldly microcosms of a strange and stark place. Though the lake is artificial, the water is not–drawn from underground at high pressure, tapped for steam-turbine and heat energy, then disposed into a series of low-lying areas on a nearby lava field. Part of the lagoon is a spa resort; other areas (such as this) are undeveloped and freely accessible. The natural blue refraction in water and a slight azure tinge to suspended silica clay particles combine to give the water its famous coloration.
2 NNW Grindavik, Iceland (10 Aug 14) Looking N
63.8822, -22.4498Black and Blue
Black outcrops of vesicular basalt jut into and out of the Blue Lagoon, offering otherworldly microcosms of a strange and stark place. Though the lake is artificial, the water is not–drawn from underground at high pressure, tapped for steam-turbine and heat energy, then disposed into a series of low-lying areas on a nearby lava field. Part of the lagoon is a spa resort; other areas (such as this) are undeveloped and freely accessible. The natural blue refraction in water and a slight azure tinge to suspended silica clay particles combine to give the water its famous coloration.
2 NNW Grindavik, Iceland (10 Aug 14) Looking N
63.8822, -22.4498