Iceland is in motion, whether underground or above ground. The unique landscape offers researchers the opportunity to experience the geological processes live, immerse themselves in the history of the world and trace the history of Iceland’s origins.
An island in motion
An island in the North Atlantic about the size of Switzerland, with just 360,000 inhabitants. Iceland, on the other hand, is home to 33 active volcanoes and therefore offers enormous potential for research. Scientists from all over the world embark on a time journey through the history of our planet’s formation in Iceland.
The geological processes that led to their formation are not yet finished. Iceland’s underground is still in motion, and it doesn’t just leave its residents in suspense.
The reason: Deep within the Earth, the fractured edges of the two continents are moving apart a few centimeters each year. Magma flows from the earth’s interior to the surface, allowing Iceland to continue growing to this day. An active underground – a blessing and a curse for the people who have settled here since the 9th century.
Landscapes shaped by volcanic activities
Life in Iceland is like the famous dance on a volcano. Statistically, a major eruption occurs every four to five years. The meters provide an up-to-date status report on the island’s seismic activity around the clock. As the eruption of Eyjafjallajökull volcano shows, one of many volcanoes could erupt at any moment – possibly with devastating consequences. In 2010, ash clouds caused air traffic to be suspended over much of North America and Europe.
Although the island is known for its volcanoes and waterfalls, the interior of the island is home to Europe’s largest desert area. The rivers meander through lava fields fed by massive glaciers. They play a role in shaping the island by carrying the volcanic rocks to the shore without interruption.
Insights into the formation of our planet
They are natural wonders that are as unique as our planet. A journey to the world’s most fascinating places is also a journey into world history. The three-part documentary series “Wonders of Nature – On Traces of World History” visits these places of longing and offers exciting insights into the formation of our planet.
Source: ZDF
I am Ben Stock, a highly experienced professional with over 7 years of experience in the news industry. I specialize in market section writing and have published numerous high-quality articles on various topics under my name. My passion for journalism has helped me to develop an in-depth understanding of the industry, enabling me to stay up-to-date on all the latest trends and developments.
