| Title | Vegetation of High-temperature Geothermal Areas in Iceland |
|---|---|
| Authors | Ásrún ELMARSDÓTTIR, Olga K. VILMUNDARDÓTTIR and Sigurdur H. MAGNÚSSON |
| Year | 2015 |
| Conference | World Geothermal Congress |
| Keywords | high-temperature, geothermal areas, geothermal flora, threatened species, Iceland |
| Abstract | The high-temperature geothermal areas in Iceland are all within the volcanic zone that crosses the country from southwest to northeast. The areas vary in size, elevation, climatic conditions and activity of the geothermal systems. Geothermal activity is common in Iceland; however the associated unique environment at the surface is usually small and occurs in patches. The demand for utilization of the areas for energy extraction is increasing as is also the demand for recreation and nature conservation. Several high-temperature geothermal areas still remain in pristine condition but care has to be taken to preserve them. The vegetation of high-temperature geothermal areas was studied in two separate studies during 2001-2008. Prior to these projects the flora of geothermal fields was fairly well known but a comprehensive overview was lacking. In the first study vegetation was studied in a few selected high-temperature geothermal sites to determine the distribution of vegetation in relation to physical and chemical parameters. The main objective of the second study was to investigate the flora and map the vegetation of high-temperature geothermal areas. The vegetation sampling varied slightly between the two studies but in all cases vascular plants were identified, samples of mosses and lichens were collected, soil temperature was measured at a depth of 10 cm and homogeneous vegetation types were mapped on orthophotos or satellite images. These projects were part of the Icelandic Framework Plan for the Use of Hydropower and Geothermal Energy. The results of the studies gave the first comprehensive information about plants and vegetation in geothermal areas in Iceland, including the distribution of plant species and occurrence of protected, red listed and geothermal species within the areas. The total number of plant species, number of vascular plant species and soil organic carbon content showed a clear negative response to high soil temperature and low pH. The classification of the vegetation resulted in determination of nine vegetation types and three land types in the geothermal areas that were related to soil temperature, ground water level and geothermal features. These types were sorted in three main vegetation groups and one land type. |