Context:
The Icelandic Government has reassured that the recent volcanic eruption near Reykjanes, situated on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, does not pose a threat to human life. The eruption, occurring between Sýlingarfell and Hagafell, north of Grindavik on the Reykjanes Peninsula, holds significance given Iceland’s unique geological location.
Relevance:
GS I: Geography
Dimensions of the Article:
- Exploring Iceland: Key Geographical Features
- Global Volcanic Hotspots: Distribution and Characteristics
Exploring Iceland: Key Geographical Features
- Mid-Atlantic Ridge Location:
- Iceland is situated on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, recognized as the world’s longest mountain range, though it’s mostly submerged beneath the Atlantic Ocean.
- Tectonic Plate Dynamics:
- The Mid-Atlantic Ridge serves as a boundary between the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates, resulting in heightened seismic activity.
- Unique Geological Formation:
- Emerging above the ocean surface in the North Atlantic, Iceland’s distinct geology showcases a landscape featuring geysers, glaciers, mountains, volcanoes, and lava fields.
- “Land of Fire and Ice” Epithet:
- Home to 33 active volcanoes, Iceland boasts the highest number in Europe, earning it the nickname “Land of Fire and Ice.”
- Famous Volcanic Eruptions:
- Eyjafjallajökull, a renowned Icelandic volcano, gained international attention with its 2010 eruption, causing a widespread ash cloud.
- Notable Volcanoes:
- Iceland is home to various notable volcanoes, including Hekla, Grímsvötn, Hóluhraun, and Litli-Hrútur, forming part of the Fagradalsfjall system.
Global Volcanic Hotspots: Distribution and Characteristics
Circum-Pacific Belt (Ring of Fire):
- The Pacific “Ring of Fire” encompasses numerous volcanoes along the
- ‘s subduction zones, exhibiting high seismic activity.
- This belt, with a total of 452 volcanoes, extends from the Kamchatka Peninsula in Russia, through Japan and Southeast Asia, to New Zealand.
Mid-Continental Belt:
- Extending along the Alpine Mountain system, this volcanic belt traverses Europe, North America, Asia Minor, Caucasia, Iran, Afghanistan, Pakistan, and the Himalayan Mountain system.
- Notable features include volcanoes in the Alps, Mediterranean Sea (e.g., Stromboli, Vesuvius, Etna), Aegean Sea, Mt. Ararat (Turkey), Elburz, Hindu Kush, and the Himalayas.
Mid-Atlantic Ridge:
- Separating the North and South American Plate from the Eurasian and African Plate, the Mid-Atlantic Ridge is characterized by undersea volcanoes.
- Magma rises through cracks, solidifying on the ocean floor, contributing to the longest topographic feature under the world’s oceans.
Intraplate Volcanoes (Hot-Spots):
- Approximately 5% of known global volcanoes are considered intraplate or “hot-spot” volcanoes.
- Hot spots are associated with deep-mantle plumes, resulting from slow convection of highly viscous material. Examples include the Hawaiian-Emperor seamount chains.
-Source: The Hindu
