Hringrás

Hringrás is an Icelandic term that denotes circular movement or a cycle. It is used across disciplines to describe processes in which elements move through a system in a continuous loop. Etymologically, it combines hringr (ring) and rás (flow).

In the natural sciences, hringrás is used to describe cycles of matter and energy within ecosystems and the planet, including nutrient cycles. In common usage it refers to the general idea of cycles, such as the movement of water, carbon, or other elements between living and non-living components.

In economics, hringrás hagkerfisins or the circular flow model describes the continuous movement of goods, services, resources, and money between households and firms. In its simplest form, households provide factors of production to firms, firms produce goods and services, and money flows from households to firms as payment, while goods and resources flow the other way. The model can be extended to include government, financial markets, and foreign trade.

Educationally, hringrás is a foundational concept in Icelandic curricula, illustrating interdependencies within natural and social systems and emphasizing feedback, sustainability, and responsible resource management.

See also: circular economy, nutrient cycle, hydrological cycle, circular flow model.