Jokulsá

Jökulsá is a term used in Iceland to refer to rivers that flow from glaciers. The most prominent of these is Jökulsá á Brú, also known as the Jökla River, which is the largest river in Iceland by discharge volume. It originates from the Vatnajökull glacier, Europe's largest ice cap, and flows through the northeastern part of the country before emptying into the Skjálfandi Bay.

Another significant glacial river is Jökulsá á Fjöllum, which flows from the Vatnajökull glacier and is famous for its powerful waterfalls, including Dettifoss, Selfoss, and Hafragilsfoss. This river's course is marked by dramatic canyons carved over millennia. Other smaller Jökulsá rivers exist throughout Iceland, all carrying meltwater from glacial ice.

These rivers play a crucial role in shaping the Icelandic landscape, carrying sediment and debris from the glaciers, and influencing the surrounding ecosystems. Due to the dynamic nature of glaciers, the flow and course of Jökulsá rivers can change, especially during periods of increased glacial melt or volcanic activity beneath the ice. Their power and beauty are a significant aspect of Iceland's natural heritage.