Reykjanes Ridge

Near Iceland


SUMMARY

Type: mid ocean ridge
Activity: active
Last Eruption: 1990
Rock Type: ?
Eruptive Volume: ?
Location Map from Xerox PARC
Latitude: 59.9 N
Longitude: 29.7 W


Geologic Background:

 

Historic Activity:

  • None

Recent Activity:

  • An earthquake swarm began on May 21, 1989 with peak activity on May 22. Low-level seismicity continued till June 11 when a second swarm occurred. Character of seismicity suggested that it was related to magma movement associated with an intrusive episode or an eruption onto the sea floor.
  • Additional earthquake swarm on Sept. 9, 1990 and another swarm in late Oct. and early Nov. 1990. Location of 59.78°N 29.72°W based on sonobuoy survey.
  • A Russian Mir deep-diving submersible discovered a young lava flow at 59.87°N 29.65°W. Complete lack of sediment cover or biological colonization, minimal alteration, and a distinct boundary between this flow and underlying sediments suggest that this flow is less than 10-20 years old.

Data Sources:

  • Smithsonian's SEAN Bulletin (V. 14, No. 5)
  • Global Volcanism Network (V. 15, No. 8 to V. 17, No. 8).

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION


Last Update: 12/16/00