Single-celled creatures thrive in the hostile environment of subglacial lakes, which may mimic circumstances on early Earth and the icy satellites of Jupiter and Saturn, and indigenous groundwater fauna that has survived the ice age can be found in the volcanic zones of the property.

By the end of the 18th century, the Vatnajökull ice cap was at its maximum size, and ever since, it has generally been retreating. Due to the recent acceleration of its retreat as a consequence of global warming, the property is an ideal location to study how glaciers and the landforms they leave behind are affected by climate change. ]]>