Mýrdalssandur

Mýrdalssandur is a vast sandur, or outwash plain, located in southern Iceland. It is situated between the Mýrdalsjökull glacier to the north and the Atlantic Ocean to the south. The sandur is formed by glacial meltwater and volcanic ash from the Katla volcano, which lies beneath the Mýrdalsjökull ice cap.

The landscape of Mýrdalssandur is characterized by its black sand, gravel, and moraines. The area is prone to frequent glacial floods, known as jökulhlaups, which can occur when volcanic activity beneath the ice cap melts the glacier. These floods have shaped the terrain over centuries, carrying large amounts of sediment and debris.

The Mýrdalssandur region is largely uninhabited due to its harsh conditions and the risk of natural disasters. However, it plays a significant role in Iceland's geology and hydrology. The sandur acts as a natural drainage basin for the meltwater from Mýrdalsjökull.

The sheer scale and stark beauty of Mýrdalssandur have made it a notable feature of the Icelandic landscape. Its black sands and the looming presence of Mýrdalsjökull create a dramatic and otherworldly environment. Access to Mýrdalssandur is typically via the Ring Road (Route 1), which crosses a section of the sandur. Despite its desolate appearance, the area is a testament to the powerful geological forces that shape Iceland.