Hvarfgjörn

Hvarfgjörn is a small natural lake located in the Highlands of Iceland. It is situated in the Mýdarfellshlíð valley, near the glacier of Mýrdalsjökull. The lake is a relatively small and unassuming feature of the Icelandic landscape, covering an area of approximately 20 hectares.

Geologically, Hvarfgjörn is a proglacial lake, formed as a result of the glacier's retreat. The lake's water level is fluctuating depending on the changing size of the surrounding glacial tongue. The lake's surface is typically blanketed by ice during the winter months, while in summer, meltwater from the surrounding hills and the glacier drains into the lake.

The area surrounding Hvarfgjörn is home to a variety of flora and fauna. The lake's shoreline is inhabited by small mammals such as arctic foxes and reindeer, while the higher elevations host species such as arctic hares and snowy owls. The vegetation in the surrounding area consists mainly of low-growing shrubs and grasses, adapted to the harsh, glacier-influenced climate.

Hvarfgjörn is considered a relatively pristine and untouched ecosystem, with little human impact on the surrounding area. This has contributed to the preservation of the lake's natural balance and the species that inhabit the region. German glaciologist and explorer Alfred Phillip Penck mapped the Hvarfgjörn valley and glacier in the early 20th century, using a novel approach that integrated glaciology, geography, and geological observations. Today, Hvarfgjörn remains a subject of interest for scientists and researchers studying Iceland's unique glacial and geological landscape.