Day 3 Saturday May 14, 2016

Our day started much earlier than anticipated. I woke up in a groggy state due to the fire alarm going off at 3:00am. False alarm thankfully, but a chilly trip outdoors. Today we traveled around the peninsula just south of Reykjavik. The day started with gray skies, haze, and a misty rain. We made five geological stops studying the layers, grain size, color, and types of rocks. On Stop One on highway 42 we analyzed the fine sediments in horizontal layers and the coarser material. The layers are ash from a volcano which are visible due to erosion. The ash layers formed first, and then lapilli, angular coarser material, truncated the layers because it settled there later. From the slope of the layers we tired to analyze where the origin of the eruption occurred. We also stopped by the Green Lake,  Krysuruvik-Seltún (mud ponds and steam vents), the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, and lighthouse stop. We took took the laborious trek from the Eurasia to North America and back. The ridge moves 2 cm each year! I found it really interesting to learn about and see examples of different formations of the rocks such as the pillow basalt which form underwater when lava comes in contact with the cold seawater.

For lunch we stopped at a gas station and then continued onward to the famed touristy Blue Lagoon. The food must of had caffeine in it because we beautifully broke out into song on the bus. Bohemian Rhapsody soon transformed into early 2000's songs. The landscape changes so drastically, and it is absolutely stunning. It transforms from green mossy rocky hills to flat white mossy rocky terrain. The Blue Lagoon was definitely a treat. The steamy water and silica facial was a great way to relax. The water comes from a nearby geothermal power plant. After they separate the stream from the liquid, water and minerals are left. We then headed to dinner near the hostel. The salad restaurant was quite good, and the walk back through the park was a great way to end the day. I loved learning about volcanology today by actually seeing everything in front of me. I can't wait to see what more Iceland has to offer!