What are Tectonic Plates?

At the heart of the Earth’s structure are the tectonic plates, massive, irregularly shaped slabs of solid rock. These plates make up Earth’s lithosphere, which includes the crust and the uppermost part of the mantle. There are seven major plates (African, Antarctic, Eurasian, Indo-Australian, North American, Pacific, and South American) and many smaller ones. These plates move, albeit slowly, shifting continents, forming mountains, and causing earthquakes—a process known as plate tectonics.

How Do Tectonic Plates Move?

The movement of tectonic plates is driven by various forces, including but not limited to the heat from the Earth’s core. This heat causes molten rock in the mantle to move in a pattern known as convection currents. Hot material rises and cools as it reaches the surface and then sinks back down to be reheated again. This conveyor belt of heat energy helps to move the plates at rates of a few centimetres per year, comparable to the speed at which our fingernails grow.

Iceland: A Geological Marvel

Iceland sits astride the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates pull apart. This unique position (along with the Icelandic Mantle Plume) is the explanation of why Iceland is so geologically active, with frequent volcanic eruptions and seismic activity that continually reshape its landscape.

Volcanic Eruptions and Geothermal Activity

As the North American and Eurasian plates drift apart, magma rises from the mantle to fill the gap, resulting in volcanic activity. This process forms a new crust and fuels the island’s numerous volcanoes. The most famous eruption in recent history was that of Eyjafjallajökull in 2010, which disrupted air travel across Europe.

Beyond volcanoes, the movement of these plates also accounts for Iceland’s abundant geothermal energy. Hot springs, geysers, and fumaroles are familiar sights here, providing both tourist attractions and a sustainable energy source tapped extensively for heating and electricity production.

Earthquakes: A Frequent Phenomenon

The movement of tectonic plates also means earthquakes are frequent in Iceland. These earthquakes are mostly minor, but they are a constant reminder of the dynamic nature of the Earth beneath the island’s feet. The seismic activity helps scientists study the Earth’s interior and offers insights into the processes that drive tectonic movements.

Iceland's Unique Landscape

Iceland's dramatic landscapes—from its rugged coastlines and mountain ranges to the expansive volcanic deserts—are direct results of tectonic activity. Glaciers grind slowly over the land, carved by both ice and volcanic fire, creating spectacular natural features such as fjords, waterfalls, and black sand beaches.

Learning from Iceland

Iceland’s unique position atop a tectonic boundary makes it an excellent natural laboratory for studying the Earth’s geological processes. Researchers and geologists from around the world come to Iceland to study its volcanoes and seismic activity, hoping to learn more about how tectonic plates shape our planet.

The ongoing dance of the Earth’s plates is more than just a story of geological interest; it affects climate, sea levels, and even the evolution of life itself. By understanding these processes, as seen in Iceland, we gain insight into our planet’s past and potential future, underlining the critical role of tectonic activity in our lives.

Learn About Iceland’s Geology at Perlan in Reykjavík

Perlan’s’ Forces of Nature exhibition allows visitors to feel the raw power of volcanoes, earthquakes, and geothermal energy that powers Iceland. In the heart of Reykjavík, guests can learn about the tectonic plates, earthquakes and volcanoes that form when heat and pressure build up beneath the Earth’s surface. The Earth’s weak points tend to be along fault lines where tectonic plates converge or diverge, as in Iceland’s’ case. The exhibition is a unique, family-friendly museum experience that entertains and informs. 

FAQ

Are there always earthquakes before volcanic eruptions in Iceland because of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge?

Earthquakes are common in volcanic areas like Iceland but don’t always precede volcanic eruptions. Iceland is located on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, a tectonic plate boundary where the North American and Eurasian plates diverge, making it prone to both volcanic activity and seismic events. Iceland has numerous active volcanoes, and the movement of tectonic plates can generate earthquakes. There have been thousands of earthquakes on the Reykjanes Peninsula since late 2023, preceding and accompanying the newest round of volcanic activity. 

What are the 7 tectonic plates?

The seven major tectonic plates are the African, Antarctic, Eurasian, Indo-Australian, North American, Pacific, and South American plates.

What are the 3 types of plate tectonic boundaries?

The three types of plate tectonic boundaries are divergent boundaries, convergent boundaries, and transform boundaries.

What can movements of the tectonic plates cause?

Movements of the tectonic plates can cause earthquakes, volcanic activity, mountain building, and oceanic trench formation.

How tectonic plates were formed?

Tectonic plates were formed by the cooling and solidification of the Earth’s lithosphere, which broke into large pieces due to convection currents in the mantle.