Thingvellir Fissure Zone, Iceland (meeting of the North American Plate & the Euro-Asian Plate)


The Thingvellir Fissure Zone, located in Þingvellir National Park in Iceland, is a dramatic geological feature where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates are slowly drifting apart along the Mid-Atlantic Ridge. This divergent boundary creates a visible rift valley, with striking geological formations like the Almannagjá rift. Known for its seismic activity, this area is a hotspot for volcanic eruptions and earthquakes. Beyond its geological significance, Thingvellir is culturally important as the site of Iceland's first parliament. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site, it offers a stunning natural landscape shaped by the forces of plate tectonics.


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Photo credit: © Phil Degginger / Alamy / Afripics
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