Passage V

The Hot Springs of Iceland

[1]

Although Iceland touches the Arctic Circle and contains many immense, permanent glaciers (Vatnajokull, for example, covers 3,125 square miles), the country is more interesting with heat. Specifically, Iceland is one of the earth's most volcanically active areas. Beneath the so-called land of ice boil thousands of hot springs heated by volcanic fires. Since hot water serves the country well.

[2]

In 1930, it's partly because its forests had been so depleted, Iceland began to develop this geothermal energy source bubbling beneath its surface. Outside of Reykjavik, Iceland's capital, huge holes were bored into the earth at depths of between 450 and 2,500 feet. Enormous pipes were bringing the water to seven 250,000-gallon tanks on a hill above the city. This massively public works project was not finished until 1943.

[3]

Even though the water loses some heat as it is pumped from the wells, through the pumping stations, and on to consumers, the water still arrives at faucets at a temperature of approximately 175 degrees Fahrenheit.

[4]

[1] This hot water is used to heat homes, offices, schools, and, yes, swimming pools. [2] One would hardly expect swimming to be the national sport of a country named Iceland, because in this country heated pools are common. [3] On the coldest winter days, Icelanders regularly swim in open-air pools that need cold water added to bring the temperature down to 86 degrees. [4] Thick mists rise from the pools, the water obscures.

[5]

[1] In addition to generating inexpensive and plentiful natural energy and providing hot water for the country's citizens, Icelands volcano's also produce some spectacular geysers. [2] The oldest of these, Geysir, was, like Yellowstone's Old Faithful, famed for its regularity. [3] Now it lies dormant. [4] Nearby, a younger geyser is replaced, a new offering from the boiling springs that bring the warm heat to a land of ice. (74)