Europe's Largest Glacier

Vatnajokull is Europe’s largest glacier, measuring over 8.100 km2 (3.127 sq mi). The glacier covers more than 8% of the country, and the average... more

by Eva Lechner

Title

Europe's Largest Glacier

Artist

Eva Lechner

Medium

Photograph

Description

Vatnajokull is Europe’s largest glacier, measuring over 8.100 km2 (3.127 sq mi). The glacier covers more than 8% of the country, and the average thickness of the ice is 400 m (1.312 ft) , with a maximum thickness of 1.000 m (3.280 ft). Iceland‘s highest mountain, Oraefajokull (2110 m/6.923 ft) is located on Vatnajokull’s southern periphery.

Geologists classify Vatnajokull as an ice cap glacier. No other glacier in Iceland, with the exception of Myrdalsjokull glacier, has more precipitation fall or more water draining to the sea than on the south side of Vatnajokull. In fact, so much water is currently stored in Vatnajokull that even Olfusa, the river with the greatest flow in Iceland, would need over 200 years to carry it all to sea.

Its greatly varying landscapes makes Vatnajokull unique in the world. Nowhere else is there such a combination of dynamic ice caps, outlet glaciers, and scenic mountain grandeur.

Uploaded

July 2nd, 2022