ICELAND -A UNIQUE ISLAND WHERE TECTONIC PLATES DIVERGE

Iceland is rather unique in terms of plate tectonics. Most divergent plate edges exist under water and the consequences, though known, cannot be observed easily. Iceland is THE PLACE where divergent plates can be studied on land. It is, in effect a large outside laboratory for those interested in plate tectonics. Throughout the island there are examples of landforms connected to disturbances caused by plate divergence and crustal instability. Here in plain view can be seen landscapes related to the divergence of the Eurasian and North American Plates.The island provides examples of activity related to the intrusion of material into the crustal zone as the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates diverge. It is a land of volcanoes, volcanic vents, ridges and valleys. Constant earthquakes indicate the unsettled sub-surface. It has active volcanoes located beneath icefields. It is a world leader in using geothermal resources for power generation. By photograph and block diagram your students can visit the landscape and gain some understanding of the unique geomorphology of this island. It's a hot topic. This unit can be linked with the 3 units on the island of Heimaey and the eruption of the Eldfell Volcano.