Iceland is currently experiencing a period of increased volcanic activity, with multiple eruptions occurring on the Reykjanes peninsula since 2021. This is not unusual for Iceland, as it is one of the most volcanically active places in the world. The country is located above a geological hotspot, where hot material from deep within the Earth rises to the surface. Additionally, Iceland sits on the boundary between the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates, which are slowly pulling apart, creating space for magma to flow up.

There are over 100 volcanoes in Iceland, with more than 30 currently active. However, the Reykjanes peninsula had not seen any lava flow for around 800 years until the recent eruptions. This is because the tectonic plates are constantly moving apart at a slow rate, but they also go through periods of higher activity. The rocks in the region show a pattern of quiet periods lasting around 1,000 years, followed by eruptions that continue for a few centuries. Scientists expect a series of relatively small, short-lived eruptions to occur in the coming years and decades.

Predicting when and where these eruptions will happen is a challenge. Scientists are monitoring the ground for signs of magma rising to the surface, which can help determine when an eruption is imminent. However, pinpointing the exact location of an eruption is more difficult in Iceland, as the magma is held under a larger area and erupts through cracks or fissures that can be miles long. The Icelandic authorities are taking measures to protect infrastructure and communities, but there are still risks, such as roads being cut off by lava flow and air pollution from the eruptions.

The long-term consequences of this volcanic activity could be significant for Iceland, as the affected area is densely populated and home to key infrastructure, including the main international airport and geothermal power plants. There is also a risk that the eruptions could move further east along the peninsula, potentially impacting the capital city of Reykjavik. Scientists are studying different volcanic systems on the peninsula to gain a better understanding of the magma movement and potential future eruptions. However, there is still a lot of uncertainty as Iceland enters this new volcanic era.

Original news source: Is Iceland entering a new volcanic era? (BBC)

🎧 Listen:

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📖 Vocabulary:

Group or Classroom Activities

Warm-up Activities:

– News Summary
Instructions: In pairs or small groups, students will read the article and then summarize the main points in a news article format. They should include the key details and important facts while keeping the summary concise and engaging.

– Opinion Poll
Instructions: Divide the class into pairs or small groups. Each group will come up with a question related to the article and create a short opinion poll. They will then take turns asking the other groups their question and recording their responses. Afterward, they will discuss the results and share their opinions on the topic.

– Vocabulary Pictionary
Instructions: Create a list of vocabulary words from the article and write them on separate pieces of paper. Divide the class into teams. One member from each team will come to the front of the class and choose a word without showing it to their team. They must then draw a picture to represent the word while their team tries to guess. The first team to guess correctly gets a point.

– Future Predictions
Instructions: In pairs or small groups, students will discuss and make predictions about the future of volcanic activity in Iceland based on the information in the article. They should consider factors such as geological patterns, scientific research, and potential consequences. Each group will present their predictions to the class, explaining their reasoning.

– Pros and Cons
Instructions: In pairs or small groups, students will create a list of the pros and cons of living in an area prone to volcanic activity, such as Iceland. They should consider factors such as tourism, natural resources, safety, and infrastructure. Afterward, each group will share their lists and engage in a class discussion about the advantages and disadvantages of living in such an area.

🤔 Comprehension Questions:

1. Why is Iceland one of the most volcanically active places in the world?
2. How often do the tectonic plates in Iceland go through periods of higher activity?
3. What are scientists monitoring to determine when an eruption is imminent?
4. Why is pinpointing the exact location of an eruption more difficult in Iceland?
5. What are some risks associated with the volcanic activity in Iceland?
6. What infrastructure and communities are at risk from the volcanic activity?
7. How are scientists studying the volcanic systems on the Reykjanes peninsula?
8. What is the level of certainty regarding future eruptions in Iceland?
Go to answers ⇩

🎧✍️ Listen and Fill in the Gaps:

(1)______ is currently experiencing a period of increased (2)______ activity, with multiple eruptions occurring on the Reykjanes peninsula since 2021. This is not unusual for Iceland, as it is one of the most volcanically active places in the world. The country is located above a geological hotspot, where hot material from deep within the Earth rises to the surface. Additionally, Iceland sits on the boundary between the (3)______ and North American tectonic plates, which are slowly (4)______ apart, creating space for magma to flow up.

There are over 100 volcanoes in Iceland, with more than 30 currently active. However, the Reykjanes peninsula had not seen any lava flow for around 800 (5)______ until the recent eruptions. This is because the tectonic plates are constantly moving apart at a slow rate, but they also go through periods of higher activity. The rocks in the region show a (6)______ of (7)______ periods lasting around 1,000 years, followed by eruptions that continue for a few centuries. Scientists expect a series of relatively small, short-lived eruptions to occur in the coming years and (8)______.

Predicting when and where these eruptions will happen is a challenge. Scientists are monitoring the ground for signs of magma rising to the (9)______, which can help determine when an (10)______ is imminent. However, pinpointing the exact location of an eruption is more difficult in Iceland, as the magma is held under a larger area and erupts through cracks or fissures that can be miles long. The Icelandic authorities are taking measures to protect infrastructure and communities, but there are still (11)______, such as roads being cut off by lava flow and air pollution from the (12)______.

The long-term consequences of this volcanic activity could be significant for Iceland, as the affected area is densely populated and home to key (13)______, (14)______ the main international (15)______ and geothermal power plants. There is also a risk that the eruptions could move further east along the peninsula, potentially impacting the capital city of Reykjavik. Scientists are studying different volcanic systems on the peninsula to gain a better understanding of the magma movement and potential future eruptions. However, there is still a lot of uncertainty as Iceland (16)______ this new volcanic era.
Go to answers ⇩

💬 Discussion Questions:

Students can ask a partner these questions, or discuss them as a group.

1. How would you feel if you lived in Iceland during this period of increased volcanic activity?
2. Do you think it would be exciting or scary to witness a volcanic eruption in person? Why or why not?
3. What do you think are the advantages and disadvantages of living in a volcanically active area like Iceland?
4. How do you think the volcanic activity in Iceland affects tourism in the country?
5. Have you ever experienced a natural disaster in your country? If so, how did it impact your community?
6. What measures do you think the Icelandic authorities should take to protect infrastructure and communities from the volcanic eruptions?
7. Do you think it is possible to accurately predict when and where a volcanic eruption will occur? Why or why not?
8. How do you think the volcanic activity in Iceland could impact the environment and wildlife in the affected area?
9. What role do you think geothermal power plants play in Iceland’s energy production? Do you think the volcanic activity will have an impact on this?
10. How do you think the volcanic activity in Iceland could impact the economy of the country?
11. What precautions do you think people should take if they find themselves in an area affected by volcanic eruptions?
12. How do you think the volcanic activity in Iceland could impact the daily lives of people living in the affected area?
13. Do you think the government should provide financial assistance to individuals and businesses affected by the volcanic eruptions? Why or why not?
14. How do you think the volcanic activity in Iceland could impact the mental health of the people living in the affected area?
15. What do you think scientists can learn from studying the volcanic systems on the Reykjanes peninsula?

Individual Activities

📖💭 Vocabulary Meanings:

Match each word to its meaning.

Words:
1. volcanic
2. eruptions
3. peninsula
4. geological
5. magma
6. tectonic
7. fissures
8. infrastructure
9. imminent
10. pollution
11. consequences
12. densely
13. geothermal
14. uncertainty
15. era

Meanings:
(A) Molten or semi-molten natural material from beneath the Earth’s surface
(B) Explosive events where lava, ash, and gases are expelled from a volcano
(C) The introduction of harmful substances into the environment
(D) The state of being unsure or having doubts
(E) Long, narrow openings or cracks in the earth’s crust
(F) Relating to or producing heat from the natural heat of the earth’s interior
(G) A piece of land almost surrounded by water or projecting out into a body of water
(H) The effects or outcomes that follow an event or action
(I) About to happen or likely to occur very soon
(J) The basic physical systems of a community, including transportation, communication, and utilities
(K) Concerning the science that deals with the earth’s physical structure and substance
(L) Relating to the large plates that make up the earth’s surface, moving over the underlying mantle
(M) A long and distinct period of history with a particular feature or characteristic
(N) Relating to the eruption of molten rock or the mountain from which it erupts
(O) Characterized by a high concentration of people in a given area
Go to answers ⇩

🔡 Multiple Choice Questions:

1. Why is Iceland experiencing increased volcanic activity?
(a) It has a large number of volcanoes.
(b) The rocks in the region show a pattern of eruptions every 1,000 years.
(c) The magma is held under a larger area and erupts through cracks or fissures.
(d) It is located above a geological hotspot and sits on the boundary between tectonic plates.

2. How many volcanoes are currently active in Iceland?
(a) Over 100
(b) Less than 30
(c) More than 30
(d) Exactly 30

3. How long had it been since the Reykjanes peninsula had seen any lava flow before the recent eruptions?
(a) Less than 100 years
(b) Around 800 years
(c) More than 1,000 years
(d) Exactly 500 years

4. What is the pattern of volcanic activity in the Reykjanes peninsula?
(a) Constant eruptions with no quiet periods.
(b) Eruptions every 100 years.
(c) Periods of quiet lasting around 1,000 years followed by eruptions lasting a few centuries.
(d) Quiet periods lasting a few centuries followed by short-lived eruptions.

5. How do scientists predict when an eruption is imminent?
(a) By monitoring the ground for signs of magma rising to the surface.
(b) By studying the pattern of volcanic activity in the region.
(c) By analyzing the rocks in the area.
(d) By monitoring the movement of tectonic plates.

6. Why is it difficult to pinpoint the exact location of an eruption in Iceland?
(a) The magma is held under a larger area and erupts through cracks or fissures that can be miles long.
(b) The magma rises to the surface in a concentrated area.
(c) The tectonic plates move too quickly to accurately predict eruptions.
(d) The volcanic activity is random and unpredictable.

7. What are some risks associated with the volcanic activity in Iceland?
(a) Earthquakes and tsunamis.
(b) Flooding and landslides.
(c) Drought and famine.
(d) Roads being cut off by lava flow and air pollution from the eruptions.

8. What are the potential long-term consequences of the volcanic activity for Iceland?
(a) No long-term consequences.
(b) Significant impact on densely populated areas and key infrastructure.
(c) Positive effects on the economy and tourism.
(d) Decreased volcanic activity in the future.

Go to answers ⇩

🕵️ True or False Questions:

1. Scientists expect a series of relatively small, short-lived eruptions to occur in the coming years and decades.
2. Iceland is one of the most volcanically active places in the world.
3. The country is located above a geological cold spot, where cold material from deep within the Earth rises to the surface.
4. The Reykjanes peninsula had not seen any lava flow for around 800 years until the recent eruptions.
5. Iceland is not currently experiencing increased volcanic activity on the Reykjanes peninsula.
6. There are over 100 volcanoes in Iceland, with more than 30 currently active.
7. Iceland is not situated on the boundary between the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates.
8. Predicting when and where these eruptions will happen is relatively easy.
Go to answers ⇩

📝 Write a Summary:

Write a summary of this news article in two sentences.

Writing Questions:

Answer the following questions. Write as much as you can for each answer.

1. Why is Iceland one of the most volcanically active places in the world?
2. How often do eruptions occur on the Reykjanes peninsula?
3. What are scientists monitoring to predict when an eruption is imminent?
4. What are the risks associated with the current volcanic activity in Iceland?
5. What are scientists studying to gain a better understanding of future eruptions in Iceland?

✅ Answers

🤔✅ Comprehension Question Answers:

1. Iceland is one of the most volcanically active places in the world because it is located above a geological hotspot, where hot material from deep within the Earth rises to the surface. Additionally, Iceland sits on the boundary between the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates, which are slowly pulling apart, creating space for magma to flow up.

2. The tectonic plates in Iceland go through periods of higher activity after quiet periods lasting around 1,000 years.

3. Scientists are monitoring the ground for signs of magma rising to the surface to determine when an eruption is imminent.

4. Pinpointing the exact location of an eruption is more difficult in Iceland because the magma is held under a larger area and erupts through cracks or fissures that can be miles long.

5. Some risks associated with the volcanic activity in Iceland include roads being cut off by lava flow and air pollution from the eruptions.

6. The main international airport and geothermal power plants are at risk from the volcanic activity. Additionally, the capital city of Reykjavik could potentially be impacted if the eruptions move further east along the peninsula.

7. Scientists are studying different volcanic systems on the Reykjanes peninsula to gain a better understanding of the magma movement and potential future eruptions.

8. There is still a lot of uncertainty regarding future eruptions in Iceland as the country enters this new volcanic era.
Go back to questions ⇧

🎧✍️✅ Listen and Fill in the Gaps Answers:

(1) Iceland
(2) volcanic
(3) Eurasian
(4) pulling
(5) years
(6) pattern
(7) quiet
(8) decades
(9) surface
(10) eruption
(11) risks
(12) eruptions
(13) infrastructure
(14) including
(15) airport
(16) enters
Go back to questions ⇧

📖💭✅ Vocabulary Meanings Answers:

1. volcanic
Answer: (N) Relating to the eruption of molten rock or the mountain from which it erupts

2. eruptions
Answer: (B) Explosive events where lava, ash, and gases are expelled from a volcano

3. peninsula
Answer: (G) A piece of land almost surrounded by water or projecting out into a body of water

4. geological
Answer: (K) Concerning the science that deals with the earth’s physical structure and substance

5. magma
Answer: (A) Molten or semi-molten natural material from beneath the Earth’s surface

6. tectonic
Answer: (L) Relating to the large plates that make up the earth’s surface, moving over the underlying mantle

7. fissures
Answer: (E) Long, narrow openings or cracks in the earth’s crust

8. infrastructure
Answer: (J) The basic physical systems of a community, including transportation, communication, and utilities

9. imminent
Answer: (I) About to happen or likely to occur very soon

10. pollution
Answer: (C) The introduction of harmful substances into the environment

11. consequences
Answer: (H) The effects or outcomes that follow an event or action

12. densely
Answer: (O) Characterized by a high concentration of people in a given area

13. geothermal
Answer: (F) Relating to or producing heat from the natural heat of the earth’s interior

14. uncertainty
Answer: (D) The state of being unsure or having doubts

15. era
Answer: (M) A long and distinct period of history with a particular feature or characteristic
Go back to questions ⇧

🔡✅ Multiple Choice Answers:

1. Why is Iceland experiencing increased volcanic activity?
Answer: (d) It is located above a geological hotspot and sits on the boundary between tectonic plates.

2. How many volcanoes are currently active in Iceland?
Answer: (c) More than 30

3. How long had it been since the Reykjanes peninsula had seen any lava flow before the recent eruptions?
Answer: (b) Around 800 years

4. What is the pattern of volcanic activity in the Reykjanes peninsula?
Answer: (c) Periods of quiet lasting around 1,000 years followed by eruptions lasting a few centuries.

5. How do scientists predict when an eruption is imminent?
Answer: (a) By monitoring the ground for signs of magma rising to the surface.

6. Why is it difficult to pinpoint the exact location of an eruption in Iceland?
Answer: (a) The magma is held under a larger area and erupts through cracks or fissures that can be miles long.

7. What are some risks associated with the volcanic activity in Iceland?
Answer: (d) Roads being cut off by lava flow and air pollution from the eruptions.

8. What are the potential long-term consequences of the volcanic activity for Iceland?
Answer: (b) Significant impact on densely populated areas and key infrastructure.
Go back to questions ⇧

🕵️✅ True or False Answers:

1. Scientists expect a series of relatively small, short-lived eruptions to occur in the coming years and decades. (Answer: True)
2. Iceland is one of the most volcanically active places in the world. (Answer: True)
3. The country is located above a geological cold spot, where cold material from deep within the Earth rises to the surface. (Answer: False)
4. The Reykjanes peninsula had not seen any lava flow for around 800 years until the recent eruptions. (Answer: True)
5. Iceland is not currently experiencing increased volcanic activity on the Reykjanes peninsula. (Answer: False)
6. There are over 100 volcanoes in Iceland, with more than 30 currently active. (Answer: True)
7. Iceland is not situated on the boundary between the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates. (Answer: False)
8. Predicting when and where these eruptions will happen is relatively easy. (Answer: False)
Go back to questions ⇧