Iceland's Volcanic Activity

Written by Jack Hassard

On April 17, 2010

Eyjafjallajokull, the volcano in Iceland that has been erupting and causing havoc for thousands of people around the world, is one of about 200 volcanoes that are located in Iceland.  Iceland is the world’s most active volcanic area, and the country is located at the interface of two tectonic plates that are moving away from each other at a point known as the mid-ocean ridge.  Iceland is unique that the spreading apart of the these two large tectonic plates is taking place at sea level, as opposed to many other examples of spreading that occur well below sea level.

Here are some pictures that I’ve gathered to include images of the volcano, as well as maps of the geology of the Iceland.

This map identifies two of Iceland's prominent geological features: glaciers and volcanoes. Source: http://www.exploratorium.edu/theworld/iceland/map.html

This map provides more detail about the nature of Iceland's volcanoes, and geological activity on the island. Source: usgs.gov

This is a view of the erupting volcano Eyjafjallajokull. Source: http://www.boston.com/

A closer view of the volcano Source: http://www.boston.com/

S

A satellite view showing the ash from the volcano (look in the upper left of the photo) as it moves north of Great Britain. The ash has now spread over GB, and much of Europe causing the suspension of thousands of flights. Source: http://www.boston.com/

You May Also Like…

The Day the Dinosaurs Died

The Day the Dinosaurs Died

Dinosaurs lived and roamed the earth for hundreds of millions of years. But they disappeared from geological rock record about 66 million years ago. What happened to them? Don Peck, science educator and geologist, and long time colleague and friend has some answers to...

Acrylic Painting of the Geologic Map of Georgia

Acrylic Painting of the Geologic Map of Georgia

The art of the geology of Georgia is a painting I completed this week. It's an acrylic painting of the geologic map of Georgia. I painted it on a wood board, 10 1/4 inches x 8 1/2 inches that was cut in the shape of the state. I purchased it at a local gift shop. I...

Jack Hills Zircon: Evidence of a Very Old Earth

Latest Story In a report published in Nature Geoscience, a scientific team studying rocks in Australia, used Australian zircons in the Jack Hills that are embedded in the rocks to decide the age and history of these rocks. They found evidence that the Earth's crust...

0 Comments

We would enjoy reading your comments

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Discover more from Citizen Jack

Subscribe now to keep reading and get access to the full archive.

Continue reading