Questions: Part 1: Examining the Region Near lceland
Above is an image of the ocean floor map created by Marie Tharp and her colleague Brue Heezen based on data of the ocean floor depth collected through sonar. Examine the map and respond to the questions that follow.
1. What do you notice about where Iceland is located?
Transcript text: Part 1: Examining the Region Near lceland
Above is an image of the ocean floor map created by Marie Tharp and her colleague Brue Heezen based on data of the ocean floor depth collected through sonar. Examine the map and respond to the questions that follow.
1. What do you notice about where Iceland is located?
Solution
Solution Steps
Step 1: Analyze the Map
Iceland appears to be located directly on top of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge. This ridge is a long, underwater mountain chain that runs down the center of the Atlantic Ocean.
Step 2: Relate Iceland's Location to Volcanic Activity
The text next to the image explains that over one million underwater volcanoes are estimated to exist on Earth and most are located along the Mid-Atlantic Ridge. The text also states that underwater volcanoes produce 75% of the Earth's magma.
Step 3: Conclude About Iceland's Volcanic Nature
Given that Iceland sits atop the volcanically active Mid-Atlantic Ridge, it can be inferred that Iceland itself is likely volcanically active due to its position.
Final Answer
Iceland is located directly on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, a major site of underwater volcanic activity.