Dyngjujökull, Shield glacier in Vatnajökull National Park, Iceland
Dyngjujökull is an outlet glacier of the Vatnajökull ice cap stretching across Iceland's highlands between the Bárðarbunga volcano and Kverkfjöll mountains. Its surface displays numerous crevasses and depressions resulting from the volcanic activity beneath the ice.
This outlet glacier formed as part of the vast Vatnajökull ice cap during glacial periods. In 2014, surface depressions revealed a connection to volcanic processes beneath the ice linked to activity in the Bárðarbunga caldera system.
This glacier contributes to the formation of Jökulsá á Fjöllum, one of Iceland's major rivers that shapes the landscape downstream. The flowing water from here influences the character of the highlands and valleys below.
This remote location is only accessible to experienced hikers with a guide, as the highland terrain is rugged and conditions are unpredictable. The warmer months provide easier access to the glacier's edges and surrounding areas.
The western section near Kistufell mountain has remained relatively stable for over 100 years, shifting only about 200 meters (650 feet). This constancy is striking given the temperature fluctuations affecting the broader region.
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