Eight centuries of periodic volcanism at the center of the Iceland hotspot revealed by glacier tephrostratigraphy

Abstract

Research Article| October 01, 1998 Eight centuries of periodic volcanism at the center of the Iceland hotspot revealed by glacier tephrostratigraphy Gudrún Larsen; Gudrún Larsen 1Science Institute, University of Iceland, Dunhagi 3, IS-107 Reykjavík, Iceland Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar Magnús T. Gudmundsson; Magnús T. Gudmundsson 1Science Institute, University of Iceland, Dunhagi 3, IS-107 Reykjavík, Iceland Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar Helgi Björnsson Helgi Björnsson 1Science Institute, University of Iceland, Dunhagi 3, IS-107 Reykjavík, Iceland Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar Author and Article Information Gudrún Larsen 1Science Institute, University of Iceland, Dunhagi 3, IS-107 Reykjavík, Iceland Magnús T. Gudmundsson 1Science Institute, University of Iceland, Dunhagi 3, IS-107 Reykjavík, Iceland Helgi Björnsson 1Science Institute, University of Iceland, Dunhagi 3, IS-107 Reykjavík, Iceland Publisher: Geological Society of America First Online: 02 Jun 2017 Online ISSN: 1943-2682 Print ISSN: 0091-7613 Geological Society of America Geology (1998) 26 (10): 943–946. https://doi.org/10.1130/0091-7613(1998)026<0943:ECOPVA>2.3.CO;2 Article history First Online: 02 Jun 2017 Cite View This Citation Add to Citation Manager Share Icon Share Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Permissions Search Site Citation Gudrún Larsen, Magnús T. Gudmundsson, Helgi Björnsson; Eight centuries of periodic volcanism at the center of the Iceland hotspot revealed by glacier tephrostratigraphy. Geology 1998;; 26 (10): 943–946. doi: https://doi.org/10.1130/0091-7613(1998)026<0943:ECOPVA>2.3.CO;2 Download citation file: Ris (Zotero) Refmanager EasyBib Bookends Mendeley Papers EndNote RefWorks BibTex toolbar search Search Dropdown Menu toolbar search search input Search input auto suggest filter your search All ContentBy SocietyGeology Search Advanced Search Abstract A record of volcanic activity within the Vatnajökull ice cap has been obtained by combining data from three sources: tephrostratigraphic studies of two outlet glaciers, a 415-m-long ice core from northwestern Vatnajökull, and written records. The record extends back to a.d. 1200 and shows that the volcanic activity has a 130–140 yr period. Intervals of frequent eruptions with recurrence times of three to seven years alternate with intervals of similar duration having much lower eruption frequency. In comparison with other parts of the plate boundary in Iceland, eruption frequency is greater, episodes of unrest are longer, and intervals of low activity are shorter. The high eruption frequency may be the result of a more sustained supply of magma, owing to the area's location above the center of the Iceland mantle plume. When combined with historical data on eruptions and earthquakes, our data indicate that rifting-related activity in Iceland as a whole is periodic and broadly in phase with the volcanic activity within Vatnajökull. This content is PDF only. Please click on the PDF icon to access. First Page Preview Close Modal You do not have access to this content, please speak to your institutional administrator if you feel you should have access.