This week we're exploring plate boundaries and plate tectonics for our chosen country.
Plate Tectonics is the scientific theory that explains the motion of the Earth's lithosphere and subsequent earth processes that the plate movement causes. Tectonic processes are driven by forces within the Earth (Keller 29) The earth's lithosphere consists of 7 or 8 major plates and a few minor ones. Where these plates meet establishes the plate boundaries which can be divergent, convergent or transform depending on their movement. Earthquakes, volcanic activity and mountain ranges are some of the results of these plate boundaries shifting. Despite the natural processes that occur, the tectonic cycle is important to our lives. Everything living on Earth is affected by plate tectonics.(Keller 46) The movement of the plates also produces areas of natural resources, like gas and minerals, that we depend on.
Iceland is a fascinating country in regard to it's plate boundaries and tectonics. The main thing you should know is that Iceland is on a divergent plate boundary. It traverses the Mid-Atlantic Ridge tectonic plate boundary which separates the Eurasian and the North American plates. There are many places on Earth where plates move apart but most of those are deep underwater. Due to the Mid-Atlantic ridge running right through the middle of Iceland you are offered a rare chance to see plate tectonics occurring above sea level. In fact, it is probably the only place in the world where the effects of two major tectonic plates drifting apart can easily be observed above sea level.
This photo is of Þingvellir (Thingvellir) in Iceland. As you can see, the continental rift runs right through it, the largest area, Almannagjá, is so large it is an actual canyon.
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| Thingvellir |
Due to this divergent plate boundary, at some point (not in our lifetime)Iceland will split apart. Right now the plates are moving apart at about 1cm each year but as North America moves westward and Eurasia eastward, new crust is formed on both sides of the diverging boundary. While the creation of new crust adds mass to Iceland on both sides of the boundary, it also creates a rift along the boundary. Iceland will inevitably break apart into two separate land masses at some point in the future, as the Atlantic waters eventually rush in to fill the widening and deepening space between. This widening rift and location on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge makes Iceland very active with volcanic and earthquake activity.
Works Cited
Keller, Edward and Duane DeVecchio. Natural Hazards. New Jersey: Prentice, 2012. Print.
Photo credits:
Map of plate boundaries: http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/47820000/gif/_47820856_iceland_tectonic_466_2.gif
Image of Þingvellir : http://www.opinion250.com/images/Thingvellir.jpg
Thanks for reading.
Jennifer
Great post!-I need to go and explore this for myself!!!-Fantastic map as well. Maps will help us all understand better the text. Amazing how as you say you can walk on this boundary, which is normally underwater in the middle of oceans). Fascinating!
ReplyDeleteGreat hyperlinks by the way-
Thanks Ana:)
DeleteHey there! Looks like our countries are completely opposite. While the plates in your country are moving apart from one another, the Eurasian and Indian Plates that Nepal lie on are colliding into each other pushing up the great Himalayan mountain range. You mentioned that Iceland will eventually be broken apart. Are there any estimates on how long that will take? Thousands of years, millions? Can the Earth's crust formation not keep up with the movement?
ReplyDeleteI didn't find any estimation for when it might break apart but I can only imagine it will be many,many years from now. Not in our lifetime like I mentioned. It only moves about 1-2 cm a year so for it to split apart enough to be another country altogether will be thousand and thousands of years I imagine:)
DeleteHi Jen,
ReplyDeleteI absolutely love your blog! I was thinking of blogging about Iceland because, like you, I am very drawn to the place. I also, have to note that I love your map. It really helps me to see the actually locations of the volcanoes and where the tectonic plate boundaries are. I can definitely see why Iceland has a bit of volcanic activity, as well as, earthquakes. I am blogging about Finland and the small country has a minimal amount of earthquake activity and when it does, the earthquakes are fiery minor. My favorite tidbit of information from your blog is that Iceland (in the future) will break apart. Very interesting!
oooh Finland. This would have been one of my backup countries if Iceland had been taken. When I started planning my Iceland trip i was trying to decide what other country we'd also visit and Finland was at the top of that list (we're going to Norway instead). I will look forward to learning more about Finland this semester from you:)
DeleteOh my goodness! I cannot imagine having Iceland splitting apart! That is so interesting. The plates are so important and can have such a major affect on the planet. In Fiji, the country I am studying, there is no splitting like in your country but it is rotating. Can you imagine that, and entire island turning about in the ocean! Great job on your post! I find the different ways that the plates affect our planet to be very interesting.
ReplyDeleteThe island is turning around? Wow...that is interesting. Fiji is on my list of countries to visit so i will look forward to learning more about it from your blog this semester:)
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