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 According to geological studies, the formation of the Great Geyser goes back to the final period of the ice age.
In other words, the hot springs have existed for over 10000 years.
In this relatively long period, the activity of the Geyser has changed and varied. How nature will form the future of the Geyser, Strokkur and the other thermal wonders is unknown.
The first written record of this thermal area can be found in 1294 when an earthquake caused major changes.
Earthquakes, in general, influence the behaviour of geysers. For example, the great earthquake of 1630 woke the geysers from a 40 year resting period causing such a massive reaction that renewed earthquakes occurred.
The height of the fountains varies constantly, a phenomenon mainly due to earthquake activity.
Before the most recently occurring earthquake in 1896, the Great Geyser was calm, but the fountains from the Strokkur spouted up to a height of 60 meters.
The Geyser has risen to 100 meters at its best.
It seems odd that such a natural phenomenon can be owned by someone, but in actuality the thermal field has changed owners several times in its history.
Until 1894 it was part of the nearby farm Laug. Its occupants sold it then to James Craig, who later became Minister to North Ireland.
During this period, visitors were charged an entry fee.
After further changes in ownership, Sigurdur Jonasson bought the thermal field and gave it as a gift to the people of Iceland.
A special Geyser committee was formed to the purpose of setting up an enclosure and protecting the vegetation from sheep.
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