Iceland: A Land Shaped by Tectonic Plates
Iceland’s unique location makes it one of the best places in the world to study plate tectonics. Situated on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, Iceland sits right on the boundary between the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates. This position is responsible for Iceland’s intense volcanic activity, frequent earthquakes, and abundant geothermal features.
Because of the movement of these plates, Iceland’s landscape is constantly changing. As the plates separate, new land is formed — a process you can witness directly at places like Surtsey, a volcanic island that rose from the sea in the 1960s.
Ready to see these forces at work? Then, let’s explore the effects of the tectonic plates of Iceland and where you can witness them firsthand. Thingvellir National Park, the Silfra Fissure, and the Bridge Between Continents all offer unique experiences that showcase the power of plate tectonics.
Understanding the Mid-Atlantic Ridge and Tectonic Plates
Iceland’s unique geology is best understood with a little background about the Mid-Atlantic Ridge and the tectonic plates that meet beneath the island.
The Mid-Atlantic Ridge: A Submerged Mountain Range
The Mid-Atlantic Ridge is a long chain of mountains running along the floor of the Atlantic Ocean. This ridge marks the spot where several of the earth’s tectonic plates meet, including the North American and Eurasian plates. Iceland is unusual because it’s one of the few places where this ridge rises above the surface of the ocean.
Tectonic Plates: The Earth’s Shifting Crust
Tectonic plates are huge sections of the earth’s lithosphere that float on the more pliable asthenosphere. Convection currents in the earth’s mantle drive these plates to move constantly. The movement of tectonic plates is responsible for earthquakes, volcanoes, and the formation of mountains.
At the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, the North American and Eurasian plates are diverging, or moving apart. This is how new crust is formed. The plates are only moving apart at a rate of centimeters per year, but over millennia, this movement has dramatically shaped the landscape.
Effects of Tectonic Plates on Iceland
Iceland’s location on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge has dramatic effects, both good and bad.
Volcanic Eruptions and Earthquakes
Because it sits directly on a tectonic plate boundary, Iceland sees frequent volcanic eruptions. Magma rises through the cracks and fissures created as the North American and Eurasian plates pull apart.
Think back to the eruption of Eyjafjallajökull in 2010, which shut down air travel across Europe. Or the eruption on the Westman Islands in 1973, which threatened the town of Heimaey. More recently, there have been eruptions on the Reykjanes peninsula.
Earthquakes are also common. While many are minor tremors, the larger ones can cause damage and disruption.
Formation of New Land
As the tectonic plates separate, magma rises and cools, adding new land to Iceland. Surtsey island, which rose from the sea in 1963, is a perfect example of this. Scientists continue to study Surtsey to learn how plants and animals colonize new land.
Geothermal Activity
Iceland’s volcanic activity gives it an abundance of geothermal energy, which Icelanders use to generate electricity and heat their homes. Over 90% of homes in Iceland are heated with geothermal energy.
Geothermal areas are easy to spot because of their hot springs, geysers, and fumaroles – openings in the earth’s crust that emit steam and volcanic gases.
Experiencing the Tectonic Plates in Iceland: Key Locations
Want to see the effects of Iceland’s tectonic plates for yourself? Here are a few spots where you can experience them up close:
Thingvellir National Park
Thingvellir National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in a rift valley where the North American and Eurasian plates meet.
This is a place where you can literally walk between two continents, observing a landscape that’s been dramatically shaped by the forces of the Earth.
One of the most visible features is the Almannagjá gorge, which marks the eastern edge of the North American plate.
The park is also historically significant as the site of Iceland’s parliament.
Silfra Fissure
Silfra is a fissure within Thingvellir National Park where you can snorkel or even dive between the tectonic plates.
The water here is exceptionally clear, with visibility as far as 100 meters (330 feet).
Be forewarned, though: The water is cold, usually between 2 and 4 degrees Celsius (35 to 39 degrees Fahrenheit).
Snorkeling or diving here will give you a truly unique and immersive experience at the boundary between the tectonic plates.
Bridge Between Continents (Reykjanes Peninsula)
The Bridge Between Continents is a small footbridge that crosses a major fissure separating the North American and Eurasian plates on the Reykjanes Peninsula.
The bridge symbolizes the joining of the two continents.
At this location, the plates are moving apart at a rate of about 2.5 centimeters (1 inch) per year.
The bridge is located in a geologically active area with hot springs and volcanic formations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is unusual about Iceland from a tectonic point of view?
Iceland is uniquely situated on both the Mid-Atlantic Ridge and a hotspot. This means it’s a place where two major tectonic plates, the North American and Eurasian plates, are diverging. The hotspot adds an extra layer of volcanic activity, making Iceland one of the most volcanically active regions on Earth. It’s a geological double whammy!
Can you walk between two tectonic plates in Iceland?
Yep, you absolutely can! At Þingvellir National Park, you can literally walk through the rift valley created by the separation of the North American and Eurasian plates. There are marked paths and even bridges that allow you to experience this geological wonder firsthand. It’s a pretty surreal experience, walking where continents are slowly drifting apart.
Is Iceland splitting in two?
Well, not exactly splitting in two in a dramatic, overnight kind of way. But yes, Iceland is gradually being pulled apart along the rift valley. This process is incredibly slow, only a few centimeters per year. Over millions of years, this could lead to significant changes in Iceland’s geography, but it’s happening on a timescale that’s hard for us to grasp in our human lifetimes.
Final Thoughts
Iceland is a special place to see the powerful forces that shape our planet. The island’s location on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge makes it a natural laboratory for studying plate tectonics.
From volcanic eruptions and earthquakes to geothermal activity and the ever-changing landscape, Iceland shows us the dynamic nature of the Earth’s crust. At places like Thingvellir National Park, the Silfra Fissure, and the Bridge Between Continents, you can experience the plate boundary firsthand.
If you’re interested in learning more about Iceland’s geology, check out the Lava Centre in Hvolsvollur or the Forces of Nature exhibition at Perlan. You’ll come away with a deeper understanding of this constantly evolving island.