Iceland is one of the world’s most remarkable geological wonders. Although the country is young it possesses many  unique features that are still under research. In Iceland, there is what is called the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, which was formed by divergent tectonic plates which are plates in the earth’s surface that move apart at a slow rate after a very long period of time, a process called sea floor spreading. ^[2]    More specifically, the ridge was formed by divergent movements between the ” Eurasian and North American, and African and South American Plates”^[2]   This continuous movement of the plates makes way for lava from  deep within the earth to be pushed upwards and creating a “new crust”. ^[2]    Although ridges exist in other parts of the world, the changes are often hidden on the sea floor while the Mid-Atlantic Ridge in Iceland is visible on the surface. ^[3]   Another extraordinary aspect about visiting this site is that you will have the ability to put one foot on the North American Plate and one foot on the Eurasian Plate.^[3]  

Using Geothermal Energy to Power Life in Iceland 

Besides offering a unique opportunity to experience the natural hot springs that are heated by volcanic lava below the earth’s surface, the geology of Iceland has create an ideal environment geothermal energy for heat and electricity. ^[1]   Geothermal translates to “heated earth” and it is a renewable energy that is created from harnessing the heat below earth’s crust. The heat that exists closer to the surface can be used to heat a home in the winter and in turn extracting heat from a home in the summer. There is also what is called geothermal water deep below the earth’s surface that can be used to heat homes and even grow plants in greenhouses. ^[6]    Although there are advantages to geothermal energy as opposed to burning fossil fuels, harvesting the energy releases large amounts of hydrogen sulfide, which many people regard as creating a “rotten egg smell” at Iceland’s Blue Lagoon. ^[6]  

The scientists that lead Iceland’s Deep Drilling Project (IDDP) strive to drill deeper into the earth’s surface in order to capture more heat. From its dark past of once powering the country with imported coal, the Icelandic government is confident that they are on the verge of a “geothermal boom”.^[1]   However, despite aspirations, creation of geothermal energy requires large amounts of work, from exploring sites, the developing production techniques there is likely to be many difficulties experienced along the way before Iceland can begin to capitalize upon this energy source. It is a wonder how scientists part of the IDDP are not alarmed at the possible competition over this energy, similar to that created by fracking. ^[1]  

This video released by the United Nations a few years ago, goes into greater detail about what it is like for the population in Iceland to use geothermal energy. As you can see, this sheds a positive light on this innovation and demonstrates how the country takes pride being able to help scientist further develop their research about renewable energy sources. It also cannot be forgotten that Blue Lagoon makes a popular tourist destination for everyday people who are not scientists.

 

Sources:

1. Worland, J. A Solution to Our Clean Energy Problem May Lie Right Beneath Our Feet. Time(2017). Available at: http://time.com/4844086/geothermal-energy-iceland-deep-drilling-project/. (Accessed: 1st March 2018)
2. Mid-Atlantic Ridge. The Geological Society Available at: https://www.geolsoc.org.uk/Plate-Tectonics/Chap3-Plate-Margins/Divergent/Mid-Atlantic-Ridge. (Accessed: 28th February 2018)
3. Mustain, A. Iceland Offers Rare Glimpse of Tectonic Meeting Place. Live Science (2012). Available at: https://www.livescience.com/31566-iceland-tectonic-plates-meet.html. (Accessed: 28th February 2018)
4. Iceland: Geothermal Energy. YouTube (2015). Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zY9q7MZ8JvY. (Accessed: 1st March 2018)
5. Divergent boundary. Wikipedia (2018). Available at: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Divergent_boundary. (Accessed: 1st March 2018)
6. Geothermal Energy. National Geographic Available at: https://www.nationalgeographic.com/environment/global-warming/geothermal-energy/. (Accessed: 1st March 2018)