case study iceland

Question 1

Memory Wheel

Answer 1

Iceland lies on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge between the North-American and Eurasian plates. The country is highly volcanic
The Eyjafjallajokull volcano is in southern Iceland
In 2010, it erupted with such force that ash was thrown 10,000m into the air
All aircraft movements across northern Europe and the UK were cancelled.
Iceland also benefits from this tectonic activity
Tourists visit the country to view the volcanic landscape
Iceland also uses geothermal energy (earth heat) to heat its streets

Question 2

What type of plate boundary is Icelands

Answer 2

Divergent/constructive plate boundary

Question 3

Impacts of icelandic volcano

Answer 3

ash thrown 10,000 m into the air
All aircraft movements across the Uk and Europe were cancelled

Question 4

Benefits of tectonic activity from earthquake

Answer 4

Iceland uses geothermal energy (earth heat)
Tourists visit the volcanic landscape

Question 5

How did Iceland and its volcanoes form

Answer 5

• North American and Eurasian plate move apart
• Mid-Atlantic ridge (longest mountain range) is formed
• Constructive/divergent plate boundary moves apart at a rate of 2.5 cm per year
• Iceland was formed over millions of years
• convection currents from the mantle force plates apart
• ridge push forces plates apart due to gravity