Geophysicist advocates for rebranding Iceland: "Iceland is not part of America"
Shedding Light on a Misnamed Marvel
The "Bridge Between Continents," a popular attraction on Iceland's Reykjanes Peninsula, has sparked controversy-not for geological reasons, but due to a fundamental misunderstanding of geography. Geophysicist and professor emeritus Páll Einarsson beliefs the name is misleading and perpetuates this geographic inaccuracy.
Walking Through Time and Plates
The bridge, built in 2002, spans a small rift valley in the Sandvík region and offers a unique experience to visitors, allowing them to symbolically cross two tectonic plates. However, this boundary lies south of the town of Hafnir, not connecting continents as one might assume.
A Dangerous Detour: Sinkholes and Cracks
Unfortunately, the area around the bridge has become hazardous, with a large sinkhole forming near the footpath. Visitors are urged to stay on the designated trail to avoid straying onto potentially dangerous areas. Cracks have also been reported in the nearby tuff formation Valahnúkur, a concern that has been voiced by authorities since at least 2016.
Questions Around Identity
Despite common beliefs, Iceland isn't technically situated between continents. While it lies on the boundary of the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates, it belongs firmly within Europe, geographically and culturally. Einarsson emphasizes that the bridge doesn't stretch as far as Greenland, where the American continent officially begins. The naming of the bridge, he opines, seems to be a mistranslation or misunderstanding of the facts.
Debunking the Misconception
Iceland's location on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, where these tectonic plates meet and move apart, creates unique geological features like the "Bridge Between Continents." However, this bridge connects the tectonic plates, not continental landmasses in the classical sense. Geographically, Iceland is part of Europe, strongly connected by its shared history, culture, and political ties.
So, next time you visit the "Bridge Between Continents," remember it's not what it seems! Stroll across the bridge knowing you're connecting two great tectonic plates, and leave with a newfound appreciation for the island nation's unique geography.
References:
- https://www.icelandmonitor.mbl.is/news/science-and-environment/2021/01/25/the_bridge_between_continents_in_iceland/
- https://www.natgeokids.com/uk/discover/places/iceland/the-bridge-between-continents/
- https://www.world-science.net/other-topics/earth-and-environment-i/icelands-bridge-continents-connects-the-european-and-north-american-tectonic-plates/
- https://www.countryflags.com/iceland
- https://www.abundanceofisland.com/iceland/bridge-continents/
The controversy surrounding the "Bridge Between Continents" can be traced back to a misunderstanding of the bridge's role in connecting the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates, rather than continental landmasses. In the realm of environmental science, Iceland's unique geographical position on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, where these plates meet, can be viewed as a testament to the fascinating intersection of science and technology.
