Geodetic investigation of Torfajökull volcano, Iceland (Best of SAGA)

S. E. Scheiber, P. C. LaFemina, E. Sturkell, S. J. Webb

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

Abstract

Campaign GPS observations made from 2000 to 2006 at the rhyolitic Torfajökull caldera in south Iceland have been processed, using GIPSY-OASIS software, and analysed in an attempt to create a 3-D elastic half-space model of the interior of the volcano. Current seismicity, resistivity and tilt data for the volcano point towards a cooling magma chamber at 8 km depth below the western part of the caldera, and a shallower magma source in the southeast. The horizontal site velocities show a large effect due to the spreading eastern branch of the Mid-Atlantic ridge that passes through Torfajökull. Hekla volcano approximately 20km to the northwest of Torfajökull, has been inflating since its last eruption in 2000 and is also influencing the site velocities to a small extent. The spreading ridge and inflation of Hekla volcano could be masking any smaller deformation due to the Torfajökull magma sources. Vertical velocity data shows an average uplift of around 15 mm/yr in the caldera. This uplift is most likely due to postglacial rebound, as well as high-temperature geothermal activity within the caldera.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationSociety of Petroleum Engineers - 70th European Association of Geoscientists and Engineers Conference and Exhibition - Incorporating SPE EUROPEC 2008
PublisherSociety of Petroleum Engineers
Pages3438-3443
Number of pages6
ISBN (Print)9781605604749
StatePublished - 2008
Event70th European Association of Geoscientists and Engineers Conference and Exhibition - Incorporating SPE EUROPEC 2008 - Rome, Italy
Duration: Jun 9 2008Jun 12 2008

Publication series

Name70th European Association of Geoscientists and Engineers Conference and Exhibition 2008: Leveraging Technology. Incorporating SPE EUROPEC 2008
Volume6

Other

Other70th European Association of Geoscientists and Engineers Conference and Exhibition - Incorporating SPE EUROPEC 2008
Country/TerritoryItaly
CityRome
Period6/9/086/12/08

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Geochemistry and Petrology
  • Geotechnical Engineering and Engineering Geology

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Geodetic investigation of Torfajökull volcano, Iceland (Best of SAGA)'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this