Skeidararjokull

Skeidararjokull is a large outlet glacier in southeastern Iceland. It is part of the Vatnajokull ice cap, Europe's largest glacier by volume. Skeidararjokull flows from the northern ice fields of Vatnajokull and extends southwards towards the Atlantic Ocean. The glacier has a history of significant volcanic activity beneath it, particularly from the Grims­vötn volcano system.

This subglacial volcanism has led to powerful jökulhlaups, or glacial outburst floods. These events, when a subglacial lake or meltwater pocket suddenly empties, can release immense volumes of water, ice, and debris, causing widespread destruction. The most notable jökulhlaup from Skeidararjokull occurred in 1996, devastating large areas of the Skeidararsandur outwash plain.

The outwash plain, Skeidararsandur, is a vast expanse of sand and gravel deposited by these glacial floods. It is one of the largest sandur plains in the world. Skeidararjokull's terminus is dynamic, frequently advancing and retreating due to climatic factors and the intensity of subglacial geothermal activity. The glacier plays a significant role in shaping the landscape of southeastern Iceland.