"John Gilmer" wrote in message ...

Duh. Iceland had "permanent settlements" for over 1000 years before
the geothermal sources were utilized.

Depends upon what you mean by "utilize."

If a local area is a little bit warmer because there is a greater flux of
heat from the earth there than in other areas (because of radioactive decay
the net radiation of the earth into space is slightly higher than the
radiation received from) and folks find they can make a living there then
they "utilize" geothermal sources.

This does not apply in Iceland, the geothermal heat has no effect on
the air temperature.
The temperature in Iceland is moderated by the Gulf stream, giving it
a maritime temperate climate.