Geology of Iceland

The geology of Iceland is unique and of particular interest to geologists. Iceland lies on the divergent boundary between the Eurasian plate and the North American plate. It also lies above a hotspot, the Iceland plume, which is believed to have caused the formation of Iceland itself, the island first appearing over the ocean surface about 16 to 18 million years ago. The result is an island characterised by repeated volcanism and geothermal phenomena such as geysers.

The eruption of Laki in 1783 caused much devastation and loss of life and affected Europe.

In the period 1965 to 1969 the new island of Surtsey was created on the southwest coast by a volcanic eruption.

Chronology

Opening of the North Atlantic

• Iceland plume
• Iceland hotspot
• Rifting of the north Atlantic

Cenozoic fossiliferous strata

• Vegetational changes
• Past climate
• Origin of the strata
• Fossil preservation

Glaciations

• Glacier extent
• Nunataks and icefree areas
• Interglacials
• Tuyas and subcanism

Holocene changes and volcanism

• Revegetation
• Increased volcanism
• Soil formation
• Isostatic rebound
• Holocene sediments
• Coastal erosion

Human impact and natural catastrophes

• Overgrazing

• Soil erosion

• Jökulhlaups
• Fluorosis
• Laki eruption
• 2008 Iceland earthquake
• Deforestation
• Geothermal energy use

Current climate change

• General glacier retreat
• Tree line rise
• Sea level rise

Current tectonics

• Rift jump
• Seismic activity
• Volcano tectonics

See also

2

External links

• Maps and illustrative photos from Union College
• Trønnes, R.G. 2002: Field trip: Introduction. Geology and geodynamics of Iceland. In: S. Planke (ed.) Iceland 2002 – Petroloeum Geology Field Trip Guide, prepared for Statoil Faroes Licence Groups by Volcanic Basin Petroleum Research, Nordic Volcanological Institute and Iceland National Energy Authority, p. 23-43.
• Thor Thordarson. Outline of Geology of Iceland. Chapman Conference 2012