Iceland 2K

Introduction

Iceland is situated in the northern Atlantic between Greenland and Scandinavia. Iceland is a geologically young country having been formed after the break-up of the super-continent Panacea.

Iceland exists as a landmass because pressure caused by a convection cell in the magma below it has forced the earth's crust upward. Were this convection cell to dissipate Iceland would eventually sink beneath the ocean.

Iceland is also situated astride the junction of the American and Eurasian tectonic plates. Consequentially large regions of Iceland are covered in volcanoes, many of which are constantly active. There are also areas where the movement of the tectonic plates has caused vast cracks to appear in the surface.

Iceland's scenery is extremely varied, ranging from lush green farmland to vast deserts of barren rock and sand. There are kilometre thick glaciers, 100 metre high waterfalls and places where steam and boiling water gush from the earth. It has to be seen to be believed.