Presentation by Dr. Scott Burns
“Iceland is a small island in the north Atlantic that is a mecca for geologists! It has so much interesting geology in such a small area, and it is very dynamic! I have had the chance to lead four trips there for the Smithsonian Institute of Washington, D.C. and each time I learn more and more. It sits on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge so has lots of active volcanism. One gets to go into rift valleys where one side is going towards Europe and the other towards North America.
Hot springs, mudpots, and fumaroles are everywhere. Most of the energy of the country comes from geothermal and hydroelectric sources! The original "geysir" is here! Volcanic eruptions have been many - most are peaceful lava flows, but now and then they can be very explosive. Glaciers are everywhere - the largest icefield in Europe is here. The third largest paleo-megaflood found in the world is here.
Also, being half Scandinavian, I will be sure to mention about some of the very interesting cultural things found here too! Two GSOC'ers have travelled with me in the past! Turn on the old Zoom and learn a little about the Land of Fire and Ice.”
Dr. Scott Burns has been a GSOC member for over 25 years. He is an Emeritus Professor of Geology at Portland State where he is in his 50th year of teaching, having taught in Switzerland, Colorado, New Zealand, Washington and Louisiana before returning to his native Portland in 1990. He now teaches part time, is past president of IAEG and runs their electronic newsletter, and leads trips around the world for Stanford University, the Smithsonian and American Cruise Lines.