Gullfoss (Iceland)

Abstract

 The glacial river Hvítá has eroded an impressive gorge into the edge of the highland where it descends from the Central highland onto the Southern lowlands along faults trending north-northeast. The Hvítá gorge is 2500 m long and its maximum depth is 70 m. The waterfall of Gullfoss is located at the head of the gorge. The Gullfoss is actually two separate waterfalls; the upper one has a drop of 11 m and the lower one 21 m. This photo covers Havítá gorge and the lower waterfall. Although the total drop is only 32 m, it is magnificent to see the large amount of glacier milk flow down through a 110 m wide waterfall. You can imagine the scale compared with figures at the upper light corner.
 Together with Thingvellir and the geysers of Haukadalur, Gullfoss forms the Golden Circle, a popular day tour for tourists from Reykjavík.
(Photograph & Explanation: Motomaro SHIRAO)