Iceland has over 20,000 km2of sandy deserts with active aeolian processes. The sandy areas have black surfaces due to their basaltic origin, and the sand is often dominated by volcanic glass. Rich and vegetated ecosystems are replaced by sandy deserts with low fertility and water-holding capacity.

Brief geological setting of Iceland The reason that Iceland is so unique is because it is centered on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, which is an active spreading rift of two large continental plates; the North American Plate and the Eurasian Plate.

Iceland is a remote island located in the North Atlantic Ocean on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge. It is known worldwide for its immense geological activity and large glacier and has therefore often been nicknamed the land of ice and fire.

The Interior Central Highlands, known as ‘Hálendið’ to locals, sit 400–500 metres (1300–1600 feet) above sea level, their domineering mountain peaks piercing into the clouds, their colourful rhyolite hillsides inspiring all that see them.

Overall, in fact, Iceland is the most sparsely populated nation in Europe. But if you’re looking for even more solitude, head north once you’re living in Iceland to the wild interior and northern coast — over two-thirds of the population lives in the southern part of the island.

The Accona Desert in Tuscany, Italy. Europe has a combination of both true deserts and semi-deserts which are mainly found in Spain, Italy, Serbia, and Romania. The unique land formations and locations of these deserts and semi-deserts make them ideal tourist attractions in Europe.

Italy is a boot-shaped peninsula that juts out of southern Europe into the Adriatic Sea, Tyrrhenian Sea, Mediterranean Sea, and other waters. Its location has played an important role in its history.

ITALY