Ecocycle
The Blue Lagoon is a part of an ecocycle which is an example of unique relationship between nature and science.
The high-temperature geothermal areas in Iceland are found inside the spreading zone of the two tectonic plates which Iceland straddles, the American and the Eurasian plate, closely associated with the country's active volcanic systems. Cold ingressed fluid, a mixture of sea water and ground water, comes into contact with cooling magmatic intrusions at great depth, is rapidly heated and ascends towards the surface. The temperature of the geothermal fluid exceeds 200°C at a depth of less than 1 km.
HS Orka hf extracts the geothermal reservoir fluid from either vertically or directionally drilled deep wells drilled into the reservoir. The wells are as deep as 2000 meters and the fluid attains 240°C. This geothermal fluid is then used to heat freshwater for central heating purposes and to produce electricity. This unusual and ecologically sound power plant, the one of its kind in the world, provides, in a sustainable way about 17.000 people with hot water for central heating. Some 45.000 people get their electricity from the power plant.
The geothermal seawater is led directly to the Blue Lagoon Bath and Clinic where people bath in it for healing and wellness purposes. It is also brought to the Research and Development Center where its actives are isolated and used in Blue Lagoon skin care. HS Orka hf also provides the Blue Lagoon with hot and cold water and electricity.
Chemical composition of the Blue Lagoon geothermal seawater
Blue Lagoon geothermal seawater, concentration of major elements in ppm (mg/Kg):
