Product Overview
The Iceland 'hotspot' is one of the key features of the North Atlantic Igneous Province and is the only place on Earth where the construction of such provinces may be observed directly. As such, it is an example of the formation of proto-continents earlier in the history of the Earth. Nowhere else is the volcanic and tectonic architecture of seafloor rifts better exposed. Large icecaps and extensive river systems reduce the volcanic pile at rapid rates, dispersing and forming thick sequences of sediments. For more than seven million years, Iceland has been at the boundary of major air and ocean masses and has been exposed to extreme climates. The effects of the climate on rock-forming processes are clearly illustrated by diverse sedimentary and volcanic successions, while there is an unequalled range of volcanic landforms from sub-aqueous and sub-aerial environments. For over a decade, this concise and authoritative field guide to an exceptional natural laboratory has been an essential companion for all those visiting Iceland to observe the Earth in action. Now in its second edition, the book has been thoroughly revised to reflect the latest events and scientific understandings, and, for the first time, the book is presented with full color illustrations throughout. *** ...an attractive guidebook with clear text, many color photographs (new to this edition), sketch maps, and GPS coordinates of the field sites described. In addition, the book is supported by a glossary of geologic terms, a useful bibliography, a good index, and even brief notes on the Icelandic language to help foreigners interpret road signs. All of these features make it useful to natural scientists planning a visit to Iceland as well as general tourists headed there. 'Iceland' is an important contribution to the earth scientist's library. Recommended. -- Choice, Vol. 52, No. 7, March 2015 (Series: Classic Geology in Europe -- Vol. 3) [Subject: Natural History, Geology, Volcanology, Icelandic Studies]
