Geodynamics of Iceland and the North Atlantic Area

During the revolution in earth science that has taken place in recent years, studies of the North Atlantic ocean floor and of Iceland have played an increasingly significant role. Icelandic geoscientists have followed, and taken part in, these studies with a keen interest; one of the first tasks of the Geoscience Society of Iceland was to organize an Icelandic symposium on "Iceland and Mid-Ocean Ridges" in 1967. At the suggestion of Dr. G. Pfuason, the Society and various local research institutions formed in 1972 an Organizing Committee for an international meeting on earth science. It was decided that it should be devoted to examining the various expressions of geo~namical forces in the North Atlantic area, in particular at the ocean ridges passing through Iceland. Apart from the scientific content of such a meeting, the organizers also felt it was highly important for scientists from both sides of the Atlantic to meet in Iceland, to become acquainted with recent progress in earth science research there and to coordinate their future research projects in the area. The meeting was held in Reykj avik 1 - 7 July, 1974, and was followed by field trips in Iceland. Generous financial support from the NATO Scient'ific Affairs Division, the Inter-Union Com mission on Geodynamics, and many other sources, is gratefully acknowledged.