Hjem

Iceland: Tectonics, Volcanics, and Glacial Features presents advanced knowledge of the geologic processes that form the landscape in Iceland. Although there are numerous geology books that describe the influence of active and dormant volcanoes, past and present glacial activity, and plate tectonics on Iceland, there is not one comprehensive or user-friendly monograph that combines these major driving forces of the landscape for the purposes of complementing an advanced geology course.

Volume highlights include:

• Comprehensive literature reviews of tectonic and volcanic processes that have driven Icelandic land features for the past 25 million years
• Discussion of four major volcanic zones -- Reykjanes Ridge, West and North Volcanic Zones, and the East Volcanic Zone, that contribute to the island's 130 active and extinct volcanoes, 18 of which have erupted since human settlement of Iceland circa 900 CE. These intense geothermal gradients near to the surface is harnessed to provide Icelander's with a sustainable energy source throughout the country (making up 26% of energy used)
• Discussion of common tectonic fissure swarm volcanism, and explosive/non-explosive volcanic eruptions that altered the landscape
• Discussions of Quaternary glacial episodes and how those compare to current trends. This involves discussions of the glacial history of Iceland that is complex, with nine glacial and interglacial stages been identified during the Pliocene-Pleistocene epochs. By 2.5 mya half of the island was covered in ice; by 2.2 mya the entire island was capped by glacial ice for the first time in geologic history.
• Although the Vatnajokull glacial is a quarter of the size it once was, remnant glacial features remain to be studied including glacial lagoons, moraines, hanging valleys, sandur plains, and outwash deposits. Ridgeline or glacial hikes provide perspectives on present structures that indicate glacial creep that is moving massive amounts of debris vast distances
• Discernable volcanic features provide textbook examples of felsic and mafic magma solidification (e.g. pahoehoe, aa, columnar basalt, ash flows) and observable directional flow patterns
• Explanations of modern day geologic hazards and island monitoring for seismicity and volcanism