Why Iceland Is a Volcanic Hotspot: Geology 101 with Madison MacKenzie

In the debut episode of Lava Academy by Lava Show, geologist Madison MacKenzie shares her personal journey from growing up near volcanoes in the U.S. and Japan to studying and working in Iceland’s fiery landscape. She walks listeners through volcanic fundamentals — what volcanoes are, how they form and erupt, and what makes Iceland one of the world’s most geologically active regions. Madison explains how different types of lava and eruption styles shape volcanoes, and why Iceland's location on a tectonic boundary and above a hotspot creates such unique volcanic activity.

The episode dives into lava types, eruption styles, and how scientists monitor volcanic behavior through seismic activity and satellite data. Madison also breaks down myths about eruptions, noting that many are mild and even beneficial. 

Hosts: Iain MacKinnon, and Jon Heidar Ragnheidarson

Links

• Lava Show
• The Lava Academy by Lava Show
• The Icelandic Met Office