Low-temperature areas

Low-temperature areas in Iceland, which total approx. 250, can be found all over the country apart from the East and South-east.  The largest low-temperature areas lie in southern and western Iceland. The general definition of a low-temperature area is that its temperature is less than 150°C at a depth of 1000 meters.  The temperature is highest in low-temperature areas lying closest to the volcanic belt (mid-Atlantic ridge), but decreases going away from it.  In low-temperature areas, geothermal heat on the surface is characterised by little or no alleration around pools and hot springs, and vegetation often reaches up to the banks. Because of the low concentration of minerals in the water in low-temperature areas, the water can be use directly for hot water supply, and is generally deemed safe to drink. When the water heats up it dissolves various substances from bedrock, for example silica and hydrogen sulphide that gives the water its peculiar smell.

Reykjavík is a low-temperature area.