Hverir Mud Pots near Lake Mývatn

East of Lake Mývatn, the Hverir geothermal field, also known as Hverarönd, lies at the foot of Námafjall in the volcanic zone associated with Krafla. The field contains bubbling mud pots, steam vents, and ground colored by geothermal alteration.

Mud pots form where geothermal heat and gases reach the surface but liquid water is limited. Hydrogen sulfide in the rising gases can oxidize to sulfuric acid, which alters volcanic rock into clay-rich material. Steam and gas then bubble through the resulting mud. Its thickness varies with the available water and mineral composition, while clay minerals, sulfur, and iron-bearing compounds contribute to the grey, white, yellow, orange, and reddish tones surrounding the pools.