What happens when glaciers and volcanoes convene? These stunning volcanic rivers.
Source: Andre Ermolaev
When it comes to size, Iceland is roughly the size of Ohio, but within that relatively humble space are hundreds of volcanoes; so many that in the last 500 years, Iceland alone has been responsible for 30 percent of the world’s lava flow. Pair this with glaciers that also populate the landscape, and you have the perfect storm of natural occurrences that make stunning aerial photographs like these possible.
Source: Smithsonian Magazine
Source: Andre Ermolaev
Source: Twisted Sifter
Russian photographer Andre Ermolaev captured these colorful wonders from a Cessna aircraft cruising above. Says Ermolaey, ”Iceland is a wonderful country; I would even say that it is a true paradise for all the photo shooting-lovers. But what has become a real discovery for me is the bird’s eye view of the rivers flowing along the black volcanic sand. It is an inexpressible combination of colors, lines, and patterns”.
Source: Andre Ermolaev
Source: Smithsonian Magazine
Source: Smithsonian Magazine
At first glance, it may be difficult to process what you’re really looking at –-these photographs tend to come across as abstract works of art- but what we’re really seeing are rivers, glaciers, volcanoes and their outgrowths; save the occasional flock of seagulls flying overhead.
Source: Smithsonian Magazine
Source: Twisted Sifter
Source: Smithsonian Magazine
Source: Smithsonian Magazine
The outwash plains, formed where glacial sediments and melted ice are carried, are shaped over time and determine the runoff patterns that connect and unify all the colors and elements. These beautiful geological features are common to Iceland due to regular volcanic and geothermal activity below its glaciers, which hastens the deposition of sediment.
Source: Smithsonian Magazine
Source: Smithsonian Magazine
Source: Smithsonian Magazine
