Crustal Deformation from 1992 to 1995 at the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, Southwest Iceland, Mapped by Satellite Radar Interferometry

Abstract

Satellite radar interferometry observations of the Reykjanes Peninsula oblique rift in southwest Iceland show that the Reykjanes central volcano subsided at an average rate of up to 13 millimeters per year from 1992 to 1995 in response to use of its geothermal field. Interferograms spanning up to 3.12 years also include signatures of plate spreading and indicate that the plate boundary is locked at a depth of about 5 kilometers. Below that depth, the plate movements are accommodated by continuous ductile deformation, which is not fully balanced by inflow of magma from depth, causing subsidence of the plate boundary of about 6.5 millimeters per year.