Deildartunguhver

Deildartunguhver is a geothermal spring located in Reykholtsdalur, Iceland. It is the highest-flow hot spring in Europe, and it provides 180 l/sec of 100°C hot water. The spring is characterized by a very high flow rate for a hot spring (180 liters/second) and water emerges at 97 °C. It is the largest hot spring in Iceland and is used for heating, supplying much of the hot water for the nearby towns.

Geology

The geothermal area of Deildartunguhver is located in the western part of Iceland, in the vicinity of the town of Borgarnes. The spring is part of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, a major geological feature that bisects Iceland and is the boundary between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates. The geothermal activity is a result of the rifting process between these two plates.

Utilization

The hot water from Deildartunguhver is used for heating in the towns of Borgarnes and Akranes, as well as in the capital city, Reykjavik. The hot water pipeline to Akranes is 64 km long, the longest in Iceland and the water is about 78 - 80° at endpoint. The hot spring also supplies the local greenhouses with heat.

Tourism

Deildartunguhver is a popular tourist attraction. Visitors can view the spring from a platform, and there is also a small plant shop selling plants that are grown using the geothermal heat.

See also

• Geothermal power in Iceland
• List of hot springs in Iceland