Skeiðarársandur

No headlights ahead as the narrow metallic bridge clanked forward, an interwoven web of fragmented steel frames crisscrossing endlessly to the East. In days past, streams cut through the landscape, washing away vegetation, and planting black fields of ash. A braided labyrinth of mineral rich water now weaving through the desolate volcanic sands like an intricate system of veins, always searching for the path of least resistance.

Twisted Labyrinth

A twisted labyrinth of water channels through dark sediment, Skeiðarársandur is the largest sand plain in the world. This sand plain was formed by glacial outburst flooding from nearby glaciers like Skeiðarárjökull after the eruption of nearby volcanos under Vatnajökull caused glacial melt.

Baren Wasteland

Hundreds of years ago, this region was once fertile farmland. But many floods have since destroyed farms and forced farmers to move away. In addition, glacial floods have left behind large deposits of sediment. Now, almost no vegetation grows in the region as the sand plain continues to expand throughout the valley at approximately 1km per century. This region is now known as Öræfi or "wasteland".

Washed Away

The Skeiðarársandur sand plain was the last piece of highway to be constructed, allowing people to drive from the southeast to the north without having to drive around the entire island. But in 1996, a glacial outburst flood washed away the bridges. The long single-lane bridge was rebuilt, but has recently been decommissioned and replaced by a series of bridges. A sculpture near Skaftafell, made from the wreckage of the first bridge, is a reminder of the power of nature.