A reader’s journey through the geology of Iceland

Situated at a volcanic hotspot and home to the largest glaciated areas in Europe, Iceland fascinates scientists and science lovers alike. Living Earth is an engaging overview of the geological history of Iceland and its natural wonders. The book also provides an accessible introduction to Iceland’s rocks and minerals, dynamic marine environment and climatic history. Glacial retreat and other climatic issues in Iceland are of global importance and spur the quest for clean, renewable energy resources – a field in which Iceland has a prominent role to play.

Ari Trausti Guðmundsson (b. 1948) was educated at the Universities of Oslo and Reykjavík (Háskóli Íslands), specializing in geophysics and geology. He is a well-known author and has published more than 20 books on nature, environmental issues and travelling and mountaineering in Iceland.

Halldór Kjartansson (1941–2005) studied geology in Göttingen, Germany, concentrating on geochemistry. He started a career as a geologist in Iceland but shifted his main attention to lecturing in geology in the early 1970s. He pioneered and hosted a number of educational and documentary programs on geology on Icelandic television along with Ari Trausti Guðmundsson.