Hot Danger In Gunnuhver

Most of the time, when people think about geology and hot things on earth, they strictly think about volcanoes, lava and things of that nature that are often highlighted whenever there is an eruption somewhere. 

Few think about the microscopic world that calls these almost inhospitable conditions home. 

Life is truly resilient and I can’t think of one place on our planet that life in some form does not exist. 

Extremophiles are hardy organisms that thrive in extreme environments. Typically, these environments are so extreme, humans and other organizations cannot survive in them.  These organisms live in high pressure environments and in environments with high and low temperatures. These organizations can also thrive in high and low acidic environments. 

I could not wait to visit Gunnuhver because I finally I got the chance to visit the geothermically-toasty habitats where some of the hardiest thermophiles in the world thrive. 

Gunnuhver is part of the Reykjanes volcanic system which extends in the Atlantic Ocean in the area of Kísilhóll.  The area almost looks surreal but it displays reminders that our planet is still busy.  You can see the carnage of what was once a wooden viewing platform surrounded gaseous steam and mud pots.

The thermophiles that live at Gunnuhver like very high temperatures above the boiling point of water.  They help breakdown elements like iron and sulfur which results in the colorful shades of red, green, yellow and blue. 

Gunnuhver unlike the other geo active areas & mud pots across Iceland, is fed by seawater. 

In the future, as I increase my knowledge and explore the planet more, I intend to share more on thermophiles and on their phylogeny.  Most are thought to have some of the oldest lineages of all species. 

Exploring and seeing these geological wonders in this region is unforgettable.  Smelling the particular areas in the region is unforgettable also.  You definitely can always tell when you are standing above or around active hotbeds.  The fumaroles are a major give away and the surrounding stench of rotten eggs.

Fumaroles are openings in the Earth’s crust that emit hot gases, such as steam.  You see them all over Iceland emitting carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide and other subterranean elemental compounds.  It is al truly fascinating.

You definitely do not want to go desolate regions without a guide or ones that are not openly visible and accessible. Being safe is what is most important. 

I believe that in order to explore beyond our atmosphere, we have to understand the extremes of life on our planet.  To maintain the health of our planet, we equally have to understand these things.