Also, the volcanoes of Iceland of of a different type to the Pacific Rim cones which occur over subducting plate boundaries and are dangerous because of their explosive nature (a la Mount St. Helens); they tend to behave differently due to their relationship with the various types of plate boundary.

As I understand it, the mid-atlantic ridge rises above sea-level at Iceland and I did't think it was above a mantle plume. Interesting stuff.


"So we should evacuate all of Iceland, San Fransico Bay area, etc. etc.?"

This is an interesting point our nameless friend has made. In truth, people ignore the warnings of vulcanologists, geologists and others when deciding where to live until it's too late. Many areas of human habitation encroach into zones many scientists will tell you are dangerous to live in. There's real concern about this, and near volcanoes like Vesuvius they are trying to persuade people not to live near the areas where pyroclastic flows might occur.