alluvial plain is bordered by Moorland Hofdabrekkuheidi, Glacier
Myrdalsjokull, Counties Skaftartunga and Alftaver and the sea. Its
total area is about 270 miles square. Its southernmost spit was the
country’s southnernmost point after the 1918 floodings, but erosion and
transport moved it back and Cape Dyrholaey resumed its role. In the
past the whole area was almost barren escept for some tufted grassy
areas in the east. During the last few decades of the 20th
century considerable areas on both sides of the main road
were vegegated (grass, sorrel, lupins etc.) to prevent
sandstorms. Topographical names, such as Dynskogar,
suggest forested areas in the southern parts in the past.
The three main, glacial rivers running through the plain are
Mulakvisl, Skalm and Holmsa.
They sometimes swell with water and have caused damage to
the road and bridges. Catastrophic floodwaves caused
by subglacial eruptions have rushed down the plain, but have
also found their way to the west and southwest.