| Abstract |
The upper Borgarfjordur area in W-Iceland is the largest low-temperature region in Iceland, comprising five major low-temperature geothermal systems with a total natural discharge equivalent to about 450 l/s of boiling water, distributed between many geothermal fields. The basement rocks consist of late Tertiary lava flows. The upflow of hot water is usually structurally controlled, often through intersection of northeasterly fractures and faults, acting as flow channels of recharge water from the highlands in the northeast, and young northwesterly to northerly fractures, associated with the active Snaefellsnes fracture zone. The Varmaland/Laugaland geothermal field is located at the western margin of the Borgarfjordur thermal region and belongs to the Baer geothermal system. The natural manifestations consisted of small hot springs at 80-97°C yielding 5-10 l/s. Geothermal exploration indicates that the upflow is associated with a west-northwesterly fracture with the hot springs at its intersection with a north-northeasterly trending fault. Production drilling down to 671 m in the early 1980’s increased the availability of hot water for 15-30 l/s at 105°C and revealed the reservoir temperature in the geothermal system to be about 113°C. Varmaland/Laugaland in W-Iceland is a good example of a community centre that developed around a geothermal site. A swimming pool was the first construction at the site. In 1942, the Laugaland greenhouse farm was established, utilizing the hot springs for heating. Soon afterwards, the Varmaland household school for young women was founded. Later, a primary school, a new public swimming pool, and a community hall were built. Thus, gradually a small village was formed, usually called Varmaland. The increased access to hot water after the drilling of the production well opened up new possibilities such as allowing piping of hot water to neighbouring farms over considerable distances. The Laugaland farm is a good example of a successful greenhouse farm in Iceland based on the benefits of geothermal energy, technical novelties and strong family traditions. It has now about 3600 m2 under glass and produces cucumbers through 12 months of the year with electric lighting, as necessary, the year round. |