Myrkarjokull Glacier

Myrkarjokull Glacier: Size, Ice Caves, Cap and Volcanoes

Myrkarjokull or Myrkárjökull Glacier is a glacier located in the Northeastern part of Iceland. It is situated southwest of Gíslaskarð and Gíslahnúkur in Iceland. This glacier is 34.66 km west of the administrative center of Akureyri, Eastern Nordurland Region. The glacier’s altitude is 700 km with GPS coordinates 65°37’0” N and 18°49’0” W. Its terrain elevation above sea level is 1,099 meters.

Myrkarjokull is near the municipality of Hörgársveit in the North-central part of Iceland. It is located in the center of different cities, valleys, ridges, fjords, and rivers. It is close to the stream of Heiðará, the valley of Myrkardalur, and the lake of Granavatn. Myrkarjokull is 46.98 km, near the hills of Stafnsvatnahæð. The glacier is 3.67 km away from the mountains of Prestsfjall. 

The nearest place in Myrkarjokull are Barkardalsjokull, Blastakkur, Eirikshnukur, Floguselshnukur, Gislahnukur, Gislaskardh, Hedhinsskardh, Heidhara, Illvidhrishnukur, Krummi, Lambarhnukur, Leidharhnukar, Luparhnukar, Olafarhnukar, and Prestsfjall. The places mentioned are part of the Eastern Nordurland Region of Iceland. 

The Myrkarjokull glacier is 219.81 km away from Reykjavík, Iceland’s capital city. Tourists can stay in the Norðurland Eystra Region or the Northeastern Region of Iceland to witness the Myrkarjokull glacier. There are multiple hotels to stay close to Myrkarjokull in the Northeastern Region. These hotels are Casa Centrum, Icelandair Hotel Myvatn, Vogafjos Farm Resort, and Elda Guesthouse. Casa Centrum is 71.36 km away from Myrkarjokull glacier.

What is the Size of Myrkarjokull Glacier?

Myrkarjokull has an elevation of 1,099 meters above sea level. Its altitude is 700 km and 1,099 meters. The glacier’s coordinates are 65°37’0” N and 18°49’0” W. The Myrkarjokull glacier is located west of the administrative center of Akureyri, Eastern Nordurland Region. It is a remote glacier that is difficult to find the exact margin coverage for its size. 

What are the Volcanoes in Myrkarjokull Glacier?

Askja and Viti volcanoes are near Myrkarjokull glacier. Askja volcano is a huge basaltic volcano that forms the Dyngjufjöll massif in the remote area of the central highlands of Iceland. Viti was born by its disruptive and violent eruptions, it formed a deep crater that is now filled with water. It was then called the Viti Crater Lake since its crater is now filled with meltwater. 

What is the prominence of Myrkarjokull Glacier in Icelandic Culture?

The prominence of Myrkarjokull Glacier in Icelandic Culture is that it provides a way of life for the people of Iceland. A glacier is a slow-moving mass or river of ice that provides hydropower in the communities of Iceland. Glaciers in Iceland store ice of water for its 320,000 people, covering 11% of the country’s geographical area. It is protected and preserved by the diverse and unique Icelandic culture. Most of Iceland’s culture involves outdoor activities such as swimming in hot springs, skiing, horseback riding, and looking at the Northern lights. 

What are the Similar Glaciers in Iceland to Myrkarjokull Glacier?

Similar glaciers in Iceland to the Myrkarjokull Glacier are listed below: 

  • Svínafellsjökull: The Svínafellsjökull glacier is an outlet glacier of Vatnajökull. A drive within the Skaftafell Nature Reserve can easily access svínafellsjökull while Myrkarjokull is a remote glacier. Svínafellsjökull is larger than the glacier of Myrkarjokull which are both located in Iceland. Glaciers in Iceland cover 11% of the country’s mass, which are unique and captivating. 
  • Barkardalsjökull: It is a glacier 3.9 km close to Myrkarjokull. Barkardalsjökull glacier has 1,080 meters in elevation, located near the east of Héðinsskarð and northeast of Jökulfjall. 
  • Hjaltadalsjökull: Hjaltadalsjökull is a glacier with an elevation of 1,202 meters in Northwest, Iceland. Its distance is 6.2 km from Myrkarjokull glacier. 
  • Tungnahryggsjökull: It is a glacier in Iceland that has an elevation of 1,077 meters. The glacier’s distance to Myrkarjokull is 7.8 km.
  • Skíðadalsjökull: Skíðadalsjökull is a glacier in the west of Blástakkur that is 1,079 meters in elevation. Its distance is 9.8 km from the Myrkarjokull glacier. 
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Staff Writer