Geothermal Activity and Utilization as the Main Attraction in a Planned Geopark

Abstract

A Geopark is geographically confined territory with geological heritage of international importance. Every Geopark has some sites of significant geological features or sites that demonstrate outstanding archeological, ecological or cultural value. Geoparks are open to the public and emphasis is put on educational-based geo-tourism and school programs. Most Geoparks are members of the Global Geopark Network (GGN) established by UNESCO. Geoparks have to apply for a membership and fulfill the high standard set by the UNESCO organizations. The membership is valid for 3 years, after which the work taking place in the Geopark is reviewed and assessed. Only the Geoparks which currently obtain a membership are allowed to use the official logos of the mother organizations. In Borgarfjördur Western Iceland there are plans to establish an internationally acknowledged Geopark, named SAGA-Geopark. The aim is to enhance tourism, increase the recreational activity and make geologically interesting sites accessible to the public through education and dissemination of information. The proposed Geopark will be located at the edge of the volcano rift-zone in SW Iceland, which is characterized by varied subglacial and intra-glacial volcanic formations. One of the most interesting aspects of the area is extensive geothermal activity and various utilization of geothermal energy since the early middle ages i.e. since the settlement of Iceland in the 9th century. This area is the largest low/medium enthalpy geothermal area in Iceland. Including this area into an internationally classified and acknowledged Geopark creates a unique opportunity to disseminate knowledge about the nature and economic importance of geothermal utilization to the general public. The name SAGA Geopark refers to the farm Reykholt where Snorri Sturluson, the most famous Saga-writer in Iceland, lived in the 13th century.