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Oblique rift opening revealed by reoccurring magma injection in central Iceland

Author

Listed:
  • Joël Ruch

    (King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST))

  • Teng Wang

    (King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST)
    Present address: Huffington Department of Earth Sciences, Southern Methodist University, PO Box 750395, Dallas, Texas 75275-0395, USA)

  • Wenbin Xu

    (King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST)
    Present address: Department of Land Surveying and Geo-informatics, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Kowloon, Hong Kong)

  • Martin Hensch

    (Icelandic Meteorological Office)

  • Sigurjón Jónsson

    (King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST))

Abstract

Extension deficit builds up over centuries at divergent plate boundaries and is recurrently removed during rifting events, accompanied by magma intrusions and transient metre-scale deformation. However, information on transient near-field deformation has rarely been captured, hindering progress in understanding rifting mechanisms and evolution. Here we show new evidence of oblique rift opening during a rifting event influenced by pre-existing fractures and two centuries of extension deficit accumulation. This event originated from the Bárðarbunga caldera and led to the largest basaltic eruption in Iceland in >200 years. The results show that the opening was initially accompanied by left-lateral shear that ceased with increasing opening. Our results imply that pre-existing fractures play a key role in controlling oblique rift opening at divergent plate boundaries.

Suggested Citation

  • Joël Ruch & Teng Wang & Wenbin Xu & Martin Hensch & Sigurjón Jónsson, 2016. "Oblique rift opening revealed by reoccurring magma injection in central Iceland," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 7(1), pages 1-7, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:7:y:2016:i:1:d:10.1038_ncomms12352
    DOI: 10.1038/ncomms12352
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