Turquoise Geothermal Pools In Icelandic Volcanic Earth | Wall Art

Two Turquoise Geothermal Pools In Icelandic Volcanic Terrain

Some landscapes only reveal their real character when you look at them from the air. Iceland’s geothermal regions are a perfect example. From ground level, these areas feel raw and chaotic—steam rising from the earth, cracked ground underfoot, and patches of mineral-stained soil spreading in every direction. But from above, the same terrain transforms into something far more structured, almost like a natural painting shaped slowly by heat and time.

This aerial photograph captures two geothermal pools sitting side by side in a mineral field in northern Iceland. Their pale turquoise water immediately draws the eye. The pools appear almost carved into the earth, their edges broken and fractured where heat and pressure have reshaped the surrounding ground over time. Around them, the surface of the land shifts in color and texture—powdery whites, rust-colored earth, cool gray stone, and darker volcanic sediments spreading outward in uneven rings.

What fascinated me while photographing this scene was the contrast between the calm surface of the pools and the violent geological forces that created them. The water appears still, almost delicate in color, yet everything around it tells a different story. Cracked crusts of mineral deposits circle the larger pool, while the nearby smaller vent looks as if it has collapsed inward over time, leaving a deep hollow in the earth.

I photographed this while exploring the geothermal landscape surrounding Lake Mývatn in northern Iceland, one of the island's most active volcanic regions. Flying the drone over this area felt like drifting above a living geological map. The colors, textures, and shapes constantly shift across the terrain, revealing patterns that can’t be seen from ground level.

This particular composition stood out because of the balance between the two pools. The larger crater anchors the frame, while the smaller vent sits nearby like a quiet companion. Together, they create a natural focal point surrounded by layers of mineral textures and subtle color transitions across the volcanic ground.

I personally sign each limited-edition print of this photograph and include a certificate of authenticity confirming its place in the edition. The image is produced using archival pigment inks on museum-quality materials to preserve the subtle tones and textures captured in the original aerial photograph.

Because of its natural abstract qualities and distinctive color palette, this image works especially well in contemporary spaces where texture and color play an important role in the room's atmosphere. The turquoise pools bring a cool visual anchor, while the surrounding earth tones add warmth and depth to the overall composition.

If you’re drawn to the surreal beauty of Iceland’s volcanic landscapes, you can explore more work from this region in my Iceland aerial geothermal wall art.

© Dan Kosmayer, 2022