Are Greenland and Iceland Part of a Continent? No—They Are Islands

Geologically and geographically, neither Greenland nor Iceland is part of a continent. Both are large islands on the boundary between tectonic plates.

Greenland

• World's largest island (2.16M km²).
• Located on the North American tectonic plate.
• Politically part of the Kingdom of Denmark (autonomous).
• Often associated with North America geographically, but not part of the continental landmass.

Iceland

• Volcanic island (103,000 km²) on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge.
• Straddles the North American and Eurasian plates.
• Geologically unique: a subaerial expression of a mantle plume + spreading ridge.
• Culturally and politically European; not on either continental shelf.

Continental Definitions

Continents are defined by continental crust and shelves. Greenland sits on the North American shelf but is separated by deep water; Iceland is oceanic crust. Thus, both are correctly classified as islands, not continental territories.