Have there ever been volcanoes in Britain and if so why not now?

rocky Emma Pritchard

Dear Emma,

Yes, the British Isles have a volcanic past. The photo collection of the British Geological Survey has some great photos and information. The Isle of Skye has a great geologic history. Giants Causeway is a world class example of columnar basalts.

Britain is now far from the continental margin or any rifts, locations where volcanoes are common. The tectonics of the region will have to change before lava pours across the locks and vales.

Steve Mattox, University of North Dakota 

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