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Iceland is located on both a geological hot spot, thought to be caused by a mantle plume, and the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, which runs right through it. This combined location means that the island is extremely geologically active, having many geysers (a word derived from the name of one in Iceland, Geysir). With this widespread availability of geothermal power residents of most towns have hot water and home heat for a low price. The energy is so inexpensive that in the wintertime, some sidewalks in Reykjavík and Akureyri are heated. There are five major geothermal power plants which produce about 26% (2006) of the country's electricity. In addition, geothermal heating meets the heating and hot water requirements for around 87% of the nation's housing. |
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