Did you know that Iceland is breaking apart?

Starting from glaciers and northern lights to hot springs, Iceland is home to a wide range of spectacular natural wonders. It is the only place on Earth where two tectonic plates can be seen above ground. But unfortunately, the land there is drifting apart, thanks to its unique location. Yes! Let’s understand how. 

Tectonic movements affecting Iceland 
Tectonic plates are large and irregularly-shaped rocks ranging from a few hundred to thousands of kilometres wide. The base of all land and water that we see on Earth is formed on top of these plates. Below these plates lies a partially melted layer of granite. The plates are continually moving over the weaker layers under them. Now, because the plates move, they result in earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. You will see that most earthquakes occur at the edges of these tectonic plates. Not only that, this movement can also result in formation of mountains, e.g., the Himalayas. Well, this movement is also what’s causing Iceland to drift away from its current location on Earth! These Eurasian and North American plates move yearly at about 2.5 centimetres (1 inch). After a million years, you will find that these two tectonic plates have separated by around 25 kilometres. 

Tectonic Quakes 
If you look at Iceland’s location, you will see that this country is located right on the border of the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates. The volcanic zones of Iceland coincide with the borders of tectonic plates. Due to the overlap, two types of earthquakes are experienced in Iceland. One by volcanic activity, where magma movement indicates volcanic eruption. The second type of earthquake occurs due to the release of pressure brought on by the tectonic plates' movement. As the tectonic plates move, the tension in the area gradually increases until it is abruptly released as an earthquake.  There can be a third kind of earthquake that shakes Iceland which occurs due to variations in geothermal activity.  

Fun facts 
Apart from glaciers, volcanoes and earthquakes, there are quite a few fun facts about Iceland that you probably didn’t know about.  

• Iceland was the last place on earth where humans settled. 
  Iceland is abnormally windy and the country has 100 words to describe wind 
• Icelanders are great readers. For long, they published books at the highest rate per capita. However, it has recently been beaten by the UK. 
• Iceland has the oldest parliament of the world.