Hot water was discovered in a 300-meter deep hole that was drilled near the campsite in Skaftafell national park at the base of Vatnajökull glacier last week. Until now, Skaftafell has been categorized as a “cold area” geologically.
Svartifoss waterfall in Skaftafell. Photo by Páll Stefánsson.
Vatnajökull national park had earlier organized the drilling of two 200-meter deep holes without piercing a hot water vein, Morgunbladid reports.
The water from the third hole measured 43°C hot at the surface but 47°C at the bottom of the hole. The pressure was significant, according to those who witnessed the water spurt out of the hole.
The water will be used in the national park. Until now the houses in Skaftafell have been heated with gas and electricity. The project was undertaken by Jardboranir and supported by the municipality Höfn í Hornafirdi.
