The Western Branch of Icelandic Rifts: Morphology and Tectonics

Abstract

Iceland is a unique example where the rift zone of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge emerges at the surface, and whose morphology and tectonic structure differ considerably from typical rift zones of mid-oceanic ridges. The morphology and geodynamics of the western branch of Icelandic rifts are largely controlled by the thermal influence of the Iceland plume that has created the North Atlantic large igneous province. The western branch of Icelandic rifts is characterized by ceasing tectonic and magmatic activity. Overlapping the Eastern Rift Zone, it forms the rotating Hreppar microplate block, which results in a northward decrease of its tectono-magmatic activity. Based on a morphometric analysis of fault scarps, we identified the degree of present-day activity for individual areas of volcanic systems, and determined its variation during Late Quaternary for some areas. The inferences drawn here demonstrate distinct differences in the present-day tectonic structure and dynamics of rift zones and individual volcanic systems within them. The southernmost, transtensional Reykjanes Rift Zone shows tectono-magmatic activity decreasing to the east, which is due to a lower influence exerted by the Reykjanes Ridge that is adjacent to it to the southwest. We observed its gradual eastward diminution, which is probably due to an analogous southward movement of the most active Eastern Rift Zone and to the formation of a new transtensional zone that combines the present-day Reykjanes Rift Zone and South Iceland Seismic Zone. The Western Rift Zone is developing independently of the Reykjanes Rift Zone, having a major extension center in the area of Lake Thingvallavatn. The Holocene manifestations of tectono-magmatic activity in its northern part, as is the case in the Central Rift Zone, are very weak, being mostly due to glacio-isostatic reactivation of older structures. The identified structural inhomogeneities can also be traced in the morphological aspect of rift zones. As an example, the Western and Central Rift Zones typically contain well-developed shield volcanoes that are largely composed of hyaloclastites, while individual lava shield edifices are observed within fissure swarms. In contrast to this, the Reykjanes Rift Zone is characterized by an absence of central volcanoes expressed in topography, and chains of small volcanic vents are observed within fissure swarms.