Site 2: Geothermal Chimneys

Diving Conditions:

GPS: 65°51.055' N 18°11.583' W

Location: Eyjafjörðdur

Depth: 15-70m
Type of bottom: Rocks

Interests: Hydrothermal chimneys

Water Temperature: 2-8°C

Visibility: ~5m

Description: Located within a fjord with snow capped mountains lie a series of geothermal cones which make for some great dives. Hot springs on the sea floor release about  100 l/sec of fresh water at about 75°C and a pH of 10. It has been doing so for the past 11,000 years and the dissolved minerals in the hot fresh water precipitate as they come into contact with the cold sea water. Over time the accumulation of these minerals has created limestone cones.

As both chimneys, Strytan and Arnarnesstrytan, are protected underwater areas you must dive them either with a guide or you need to get permission from Erlendur Bogason, who discovered them and runs the local dive center. As much as I usually hate diving with a guide, I strongly recommend you to dive these with Erlendurn. He is very keen to share his knowledge on the chimneys so its a great opportunity to learn about them with the world expert! The most stunning of these limestone chimneys is known as Strytan. It stands 55m proud, so the top lies just 15m under the water surface. There are other smaller chimneys in the area but these lie relatively deep at the seabed at 70m. Due to upward currents, this dive is not recomended for novices.

An easier dive on thermal vents is Arnarnesstrytus which has a cluster of small cones rich in marine life, including a friendly wolf fish called Stephanie. During this ive Erelndur usually collects some of the hot water from the springs into a small thermos. After the dive he uses it to prepare amazing hot chocolate (although with a bit of sulfury after taste).