Why is new land being created so far away from the spreading ridge?

Iceland: ridge, plume and basalt - for iPod/iPhone

New land on the Island of Vestmannaeyjar

Why is Iceland the fastest growing island in the North Atlantic? Why is Iceland on dry land? Dr Dave McGarvie takes us on a geographically complex field trip to discover Iceland's new land. McGarvie explains how different types of basalts eruptions help build the crust of Iceland. This material forms part of The Open University course S339, Understanding the continents.

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Iceland: ridge, plume and basalt - for iPod/iPhone