Iceland is a country having an immensely large number of
volcanoes, being one of the most
volcanically active regions in the world. Its location causes high geothermal activity, resulting in the presence of a large number of active
volcanoes.
Iceland is faced with unique geological conditions, being located directly above the
Mid-Atlantic Ridge, sitting in between the Eurasian and North American plates. . A number of mantle
plumes beneath it aid its
volcanism. Geologists infer that there is a volcanic
hotspot beneath the region. The
volcanoes in
Iceland are responsible for nearly a third of the whole world's total lava output.
The most important
volcanoes in
Iceland are as follows:
- Hekla
- Eldgja and the Laki craters
- Strokkur
- Oraefajokull
- Snaefellsjokull
- Krafla
- Askja
- Herdubreid
- Surtsey
- Eldfell on Heimaey
The volcanic activities of Iceland have made it an interesting case-study for geologists. The volcanic mountains also add to the beauty of Iceland. Many tourists throng to Iceland to see the volcanoes. The volcanic eruptions have maid the soil of Iceland rich in lava deposits. The terrain as such is rugged featured by small hills made of lava deposits. The presence of volcanoes in Iceland has greatly influenced and modified the topography and soil conditions in Iceland. It has also affected the vegetation and plant growth. Iceland volcanoes are an intrinsic part of the natural conditions prevailing in this country.
