About 80% of Iceland is not inhabited, most people live in the capital city region and along the southwestern coastline. Iceland is an island that lies in the middle of the northern Atlantic Ocean. See the lava fields, black-sand beaches and the world famous aurora borealis, while learning about the range of adventurous activities visitors and residents can enjoy in the Land of Ice and Fire. Iceland is an island country in Northern Europe, straddling the Eurasian and North American plates between the Greenland Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean, northwest of the British Isles. An island of 103.000 km2 (40,000 square miles), it is about the same size as Hungary and Portugal, or Kentucky and Virginia. Iceland has some of the few remaining large wilderness areas in Europe, and their natural features are in many ways unique. They make a living by raising sheep and cattle. Iceland's location is Northern Europe, island between the Greenland Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean, northwest of the United Kingdom and its coordinates are 65*N, 18*W. It has a total area of 103,000 sq … Human and Physical Features of an island (Katie Morag) 3.3 9 customer reviews. ReykjavÃk has an average temperature of 12 °C (53.6 °F) in July and 1 °C (34 °F) in January[10] It has a Köppen Climate Classification of Subpolar oceanic climate (Cfc) with most of the island classified as Tundra (ET). The island is therefore highly volcanically and geologically active. Iceland is the second largest island in Europe, following Great Britain, and the 18th largest island in the world. km) or 11. As can be observed on the physical map of Iceland, the country's most distinctive features are the glaciers that cover over 4,600 sq. Reykjavik has a population of 120,165 people (2008 estimate) and its metropolitan area or the Greater Reykjavik area has a population of 201,847 people. The majority of Reykjavik is located on the Seltjarnarnes peninsula. [3] Fossilized tree pollen and descriptions by the early settlers indicate that prior to human settlement, now thought to have occurred from around AD 800 onwards,[4][5] trees covered between thirty and forty per cent of the island. Most of Iceland’s 300 000 inhabitants descend from Viking settlers who came to the island from Norway in the 9th century. Volcanic fissure – a clearly visible fissure which in 1783 – 1784 was the site of one of the largest and most destructive eruptions in modern times. The area is mostly uninhabited and uninhabitable. Learn about the country near the Arctic Circle with 24 hours of daylight in the summer and short winter days. Iceland, however, has a variety of volcanic types (composite and fissure), many producing more evolved lavas such as rhyolite and andesite. During the past few decades, however, they've markedly thinned and retreated owing to a milder climate. With the widespread availability of geothermal power, and the harnessing of many rivers and waterfalls for hydroelectricity, most residents have access to inexpensive hot water, heating and electricity. Demographically (statistics on the human population), Iceland is a very stable country. Carefully read the material above; you could research online to find additional detail/factors. Based on Isle of Struay in Katie Morag ⦠This location means that the island is highly geologically active with earthquakes and many volcanoes, notably Hekla, Eldgjá, Herðubreið and Eldfell. This article incorporates public domain material from the CIA World Factbook website https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/index.html. Reykjavík is the capital of Iceland. However, they are in fact at the juncture of the North American continental plate and a smaller plate (approx. [6] The inhabited areas are on the coast, particularly in the southwest, while the central highlands are all but uninhabited. [13], True colour satellite image of Iceland in winter, Landscape as seen from Laugavegur hiking trail, Map of Iceland showing major towns and geographical features, Active volcanic areas and systems in Iceland, Map showing the Mid-Atlantic Ridge splitting Iceland and separating the North American and Eurasian Plates. It emerged from an underwater mountain range, the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, about 20 million years ago. Iceland is spectacular but this is a wild and volatile landscape of high cliffs, slippery ice and powerful waterfalls. [7], Located in the western portion of the island and north of the Capital Region. The main physical features in Iceland are glaciers, the largest being Vatnajokull. Sandy blond is the most common hair colour although due to our Irish ancestors more people have dark hair and fair skin than in Scandinavia. Because of the cool summers farmers cannot grow crops on Iceland. The Irish were there in numbers when the settlement of Iceland got underway some time around 800AD. Iceland Lesson of the Western Europe series. The western coast lies along the Baltic Sea. 2. Preview. Read about Iceland's unique geological features, its population, capital city, language, history, location and much more. Iceland is a small island nation that is Europe's westernmost country and home to the world’s northernmost capital, Reykjavik. The Irish were there in numbers when the settlement of Iceland got underway some time around 800AD. Iceland's main industries are fish processing, aluminum smelting, ferrosilicon production, geothermal power, and hydropower. The Basement - The large-scale features of the Svalbard geology are relatively simple. The rift associated with the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, which marks the division between the Eurasian Plate and North American tectonic plates, runs across Iceland from the southwest to the northeast. Most people in Iceland live near the capital city Reykjavik which is the northernmost capital city in the world. The climate of Iceland is warmer and milder than anywhere else near the Arctic Circle. Iceland has extensive volcanic and geothermal activity. Alongside the volcanoes exist numerous glaciers such as Vatnajökull, Mýrdalsjökull and Eyjafjallajökull. There is much work on geothermal energy sources. There is much work on geothermal energy sources. Interestingly, the entire country is surrounded by water. Iceland became one of the world’s first democracies. Reykjavik is the capital city of Iceland.It is also the largest city in that country and with its latitude of 64˚08'N, it is the world's northernmost capital city for an independent nation. The island became independent again in 1944. 70% of the country’s income comes from fishing. Iceland (Icelandic: Ãsland [Ëistlant])[1] is an island country at the confluence of the North Atlantic and Arctic oceans, east of Greenland and immediately south of the Arctic Circle, atop the constructive boundary of the northern Mid-Atlantic Ridge about 860 km (530 mi) from Scotland and 4,200 km (2,600 mi) from New York City. Iceland is also a land of glaciers. Iceland has some of the few remaining large wilderness areas in Europe, and their natural features are in many ways unique. Volcanoes are still active on Iceland today. Photograph by bmcchristy, iStockphoto Human: The people of Iceland share a love of art, such as drawing, and a love of literature. This can be frustrating for people that are try… The country’s large banks collapsed. After settlers from Norway came to the island at about 900 A.D. the first government was established. The primary language spoken by the people is called Icelandic. Use the information to create a clear, visually appealing mind-map showing the physical and human factors affecting population density. Iceland has extensive volcanic and geothermal activity. Around 10.2 per cent of the total land area is covered by glaciers, although these are retreating at an accelerating rate. The United Kingdom of England, Wales, Scotland and the Republic of Ireland is on two main islands and smaller islands off Europe's coast between the North Sea to the east and the Atlantic Ocean to the west. mi (11,922 sq. A fjord is a long and narrow inlet of the sea that is surrounded by high, rugged cliffs. Home to Iceland's capital, ReykjavÃk, the Capital Region is the most densely populated area in Iceland. During the past few decades, however, they've markedly thinned and ⦠One of the world's most sparsely populated countries, Iceland's boundaries are almost the same as the main island â the world's 18th largest in area and possessing almost all of the country's area and population and also it is world's 9th largest island country. Read more. The finished mind map should take at least a full page of your book and use colour and images as well as text. [11] From 1963 to 1967, the island of Surtsey was created on the southwest coast by a volcanic eruption. The main island, which lies south of the Arctic Circle, covers an area of 103,000 km, which is roughly the size of the U.S. state of Virginia or slightly bigger than Ireland. Between 2008 and 2010 Iceland was experienced a major economic crisis. The Highlands make up about half of Iceland's land area, which is of recent volcanic origin and consists of a mountainous lava desert (highest elevation 2,110 m (6,923 ft) above sea level) and other wasteland. Considering that Iceland has only 320,000 people, the number of museums and art galleries in the country is astounding. The main island, which lies south of the Arctic Circle, covers an area of 103,000 km, which is roughly the size of the U.S. state of Virginia or slightly bigger than Ireland. Physical Geography. It is a common misconception that Þingvellir is … Almost all of them live in towns and villages near the coast in the south and south-western part of the country. Fishing is the most important economic sector in Iceland. The island is composed primarily of basalt, a low-silica lava associated with effusive volcanism as has occurred also in Hawaii. Place. 5% of the total area of the country. North European Plain Basalt columns and black sand beaches are examples of the volcanic activity of the area. Laki fissure vent– Suðurland. Geography. The island is full of lava fields, geysers and hot pools. It is a common misconception that Ãingvellir is at the juncture between the North American and Eurasian continental plates. Iceland is also a land of glaciers. Blog. The arctic fox was the only native land mammal to Iceland … What are the main physical features of Iceland? [2] Twenty percent of the land is used for grazing, while only one percent is cultivated. Use the information to create a clear, visually appealing mind-map showing the physical and human factors affecting population density. Physical Features of Iceland Iceland is a beautiful country with vast fields, tall mountains, waterfalls and geysers. The site was the home of Iceland's parliament, the Alþing, which was first convened in 930. Interactive Grammar and Vocabulary Exercises. A small island, Surtsey, was formed by volcanic eruptions 40 years ago. View Images. The finished mind map should take at least a full page of your book and use colour and images as well as text. roads and bridges and things that are MANMADE are human features The total size is 103,125 km2 (39,817 sq mi). The area also contains mountain ranges and Iceland's highest peak, Hvannadalshnjúkur, as well as the Vestmannaeyjar (Westman Islands) archipelago. The State of the Physical and Social Sciences The University of Iceland is the center for scientific research. Live in houses of brick, concrete, wood, etc. Nov. 21, 2020. The most dominant physical features are eskers, moraines and lake beds, all of which have been carved from the land by glaciers. Eyjafjallajökull (1,666 m) erupted in 2010, disrupting European air traffic. Physical: In Iceland there are glaciers, rivers, and hills throughout the country. Iceland features a strong social-market economy typical of Scandinavian countries. Today Iceland is a member of NATO and serves as an important military ally between Europe and North America. Iceland is an island in the Atlantic Ocean, located near the Arctic Circle, between Greenland and Norway. A human geography assignment about Iceland. An animated clip that considers why tourists choose to visit different places, using St Lucia and Iceland as examples. Volcanoes are still active on Iceland today. Preview. People living in Iceland are called Icelanders. Human Characteristics- Fishing Industry is more than 70% of imports. Its average elevation is 1,640 feet (500 metres) above sea level, but one-fourth of the country lies below 650 feet (198 metres). The physical features in Svealand includes the western coast, lakes, eskers and moraines. The site was the home of Iceland's parliament, the Alþing, which was first convened in 930. Interestingly, the entire country is surrounded by water. A set of human and physical features for children to cut and sort. A geologically young land, Iceland is located on both the Iceland hotspot and the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, which runs right through it. The longest river on the island is Ãjórsá at 230 kilometres (143 miles). Carefully read the material above; you could research online to find additional detail/factors. This geographic feature is prominent at the Þingvellir National Park, where the promontory creates an extraordinary natural amphitheatre. It is located on the southwest coast of the island near the Southern Peninsula. 4 32 customer reviews. A small island, Surtsey, was formed by volcanic eruptions 40 years ago. Air Pollution-Persistent Organic Pollutants, "RAE 2008 : Submissions : RA1, RA2 and RA5c", "New View on the Origin of First Settlers in Iceland", "the-classic-circle | Visit West Iceland", "Heildarstærð jökla á Ãslandi 2014 ("Total surface area of Icelandic glaciers 2014")", "Mánaðarmeðaltöl fyrir stöð 1 â ReykjavÃk ("Monthly data for station No 1 â ReykjavÃk")", "Plate boundaries, rifts and transforms in Iceland", "The World Factbook â Central Intelligence Agency", "The Petrology of Thingmuli, a Tertiary Volcano in Eastern Iceland", https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/index.html, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Geography_of_Iceland&oldid=992078593, Articles containing Icelandic-language text, Wikipedia articles incorporating text from the World Factbook, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License, Plateau interspersed with mountain peaks, volcanic peaks, icefields and a coast deeply indented by bays and fjords, Volcanism, earthquakes, avalanches, and glacial lake outburst flooding, Air pollution, climate change, desertification, hazardous wastes, marine dumping, This page was last edited on 3 December 2020, at 11:01. The area contains little vegetation because of active volcanism and large lava fields. What is visual communication and why it matters; Nov. 20, 2020 Many of Europes fjords are located in Iceland and Scandinavia. Extent (locations outside mainland in parentheses), Marine life, diatomite, hydrothermal power, Volcanism, earthquakes, avalanches, and glacial lake outburst flooding (or jökulhlaups), Water pollution from fertilizer runoff; inadequate wastewater treatment. Read more. The 804-metre (2,638 ft) Hafnarfjall Mountain rises over the landscape.[8]. On average Icelanders are about 175 - 185cm for men and about 165-175 for women. Human and Physical Features of an island (Katie Morag) 3.3 9 customer reviews. It is the westernmost European country and has more land covered by glaciers than in all of continental Europe. Only about 25% of Iceland is covered with plants. There are hot springs and sulphur springs in the southern portion of the peninsula, in the Kleifarvatn lake and the KrýsuvÃk geothermal area. Winters are therefore mild and summers can be cool and rainy. The peninsula contains Iceland's northernmost glacier, Drangajökull. The National Science Foundation funds research, and Iceland belongs to international federations for the support of physical ⦠See the lava fields, black-sand beaches and the world famous aurora borealis, while learning about the range of adventurous activities visitors and residents can enjoy in the Land of Ice and Fire. Many would say that Iceland’s most beautiful landform is the waterfall, and one of the most impressive lies in southern Iceland. The southern portion of Iceland contains some of its most notable volcanoes such as Hekla, Eldgjá and Katla. Iceland has lost most of the woodland that previously covered large areas of the country, but an ambitious reforestation program is currently underway. The coastline is marked by numerous fjords as its name suggests. This is particularly notable for English speakers; when a foreigner is engaged in conversation with a group of Icelanders, most of the time we will swap over to English so that the whole group is able to understand. [12], Iceland has many geysers, including Geysir, from which the English word geyser is derived. Powerpoint presentation and worksheets (4 pages) about the human and physical geography involving size, borders, area, travel, capital city, population, climate, landmarks, currency and culture Physical features of Iceland? Based on Isle of Struay in Katie Morag stories. The rift associated with the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, which marks the division between the Eurasian Plate and North American tectonic plates, runs across Iceland from the southwest to the northeast. Human: The people of Iceland share a love of art, such as drawing, and a love of literature. 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