Colors of Glacier Ice

Colors of Glacier Ice

A nearly black section of glacier ice reveals the hidden density and age within Iceland’s Vatnajökull ice cap. The dark tone results from compressed ice mixed with volcanic ash and fine sediment—layers preserved over decades or even centuries. Unlike the bright blues and whites often associated with glaciers, this formation exposes a more complex, muted palette. Subtle textures and internal structures emerge where light is absorbed rather than reflected, emphasizing the mass and history of the ice. Captured at one of Vatnajökull’s glacier tongues, this image highlights the lesser-seen visual depth of a constantly shifting landscape.