A rapid change of crews and reloading took place at the edge of Skálafellsjökull, where it is possible to drive up on Vatnajökull
We drive 60 km over Vatnajökull to Grímsvötn in a total whiteout, looking more at the GPS than out the window.
The research station at Grímsvötn is luxurious, with a heating system and a sauna powered by geothermal steam.
Prof. Magnús Tumi Guðmundsson posing in front of the Grímsvötn 2011 eruption site. Steam is still rising from the banks.
Having a free day, I joined a group crossing the lake ice to a newly exposed ignimbrite outcrop
A sandstorm has painted the snow, as well as my face as I find later.
GPS stations are used to monitor the movements of the volcano
I tried to sample the steaming fumaroles close to the research station, but was not able to get a good sample.
We got a ride to Kverkfjöll in this jeep
A small hut close to Hveradalur was a very appreciated shelter after the field days
Northerly winds blew during the first day of fumarole sampling. A frisky combination of hot and cold
Next morning, the sun was up and we could see the Gengissig ice lagoon
Minor technical issues: The basic solution in my sampling flasks had frozen during the night.
Trying to find a safe way down to Hveradalur
Kate Gallagher and Kalli Stefánsson, my invaluable field companions.
View to Mt. Herðubreið over Hveradalur
View to Trölladyngja shield volcano
Major fumarole activity
I think this is one of the most beautiful places on the planet
It's not always easy to convince a fumarole to reroute to your sampling pipe
Galtarlón lagoon was ice covered and at low level.
Massive boiling mudpots in Upper Hveradalur.
Extinct fumarole vent with yellow native sulfur deposits
Geothermal mud is extremely muddy
Noble gas sampling attempt.
My great field companions Kate and Kalli returning to the hut after a long field day.
Gengissig ice lagoon is heated by geothermal heat.
During the night, we could hear huge blocks of ice calving from the sides of Gengissig