Iceland Geography Profile

Except for narrow coastal plains and valleys, Iceland consists of a volcanic plateau that varies in height from 2,100 to 2,600 feet (640 to 790 m). Dotting it are several mountains 5,000 to nearly 7,000 feet (1,520 to 2,130 m) high, most of which are topped by glaciers. Vatnajökull, the major glacier, is an ice cap in the southeast. Other features, amount of volcanic origin, include dormant and active volcanoes, lava flows, and hot springs. Iceland is of the majority volcanically active areas in the world. Earthquakes are frequent.

The majority famous hot spring is Geysir; from its name a lot of languages derive their term for a spouting hot spring. In a lot of areas use is made of the geothermal waters. For example, most buildings in Reykjavík, the capital and major city, are heated by hot water piped from deep wells through a central system.

Major rivers, including the Thjórsá, the longest, flow from glaciers. At the plateau's edge a lot of descend in rapids, cascades, and universal falls. These torrents have tremendous hydroelectric potential and proyide most of Iceland's power. Lakes are numerous, but amount are small. On the north, east, and west coasts, fjords and bays cut far into the land, often producing excellent natural harbors.

Because of the North Atlantic Current, part of which flows past the island, Iceland's climate is relatively mild. Reykjavík has average temperatures of 52° F. (11° C.) in July and 30° F. (-1° C.) in January. Weather changes are frequent during amount seasons. Fogs are common along the coast. Annual rainfall on the southern lowlands is about 50 inches (1,270 mm). The amount is considerably higher in the mountains and much lower in the north. As in amount northern lands, daylight hours are extremely long in summer and short in winter.

Iceland is largely a barren country with extensive lava flows. Vegetation consists chiefly of grasses and mosses.