EarthRef.org Reference Database (ERR)
Development and Maintenance by the EarthRef.org Database Team

Detailed Reference Information
Hofton & Foulger 1996
Hofton, M.A. and Foulger, G.R. (1996). Postrifting anelastic deformation around the spreading plate boundary, north Iceland 1. Modeling of the 1987–1992 deformation field using a viscoelastic Earth structure. Journal of Geophysical Research 101: doi: 10.1029/96JB02466. issn: 0148-0227.

A third Global Positioning System (GPS) survey of a regional network surrounding the Krafla volcanic system, north Iceland, was conducted in 1992 following a major crustal spreading episode which began in this system in 1975. Differencing the 1992 results with those from 1987 and 1990 reveals a regional deformation field with a maximum, rift-normal expansion rate of 4.5 cm/year near the rift, decreasing to 3 cm/year at large distances. The time-averaged spreading rate in north Iceland, 1.8 cm/year, cannot account for this deformation. The vertical deformation field reveals regional uplift throughout the network area at its maximum closest to the rift and decreasing with distance. Three different models are applied to study the postdike injection ground deformation: (1) stress redistribution in an elastic layer over a viscoelastic half-space, (2) stress redistribution in an elastic-viscous layered medium, and (3) continued opening at depth on the dike plane in an elastic half-space. Using model 1, the effects of historical episodes in the region are subtracted from the observed displacement fields, and the remaining motion is modeled as relaxation following the recent Krafla rifting episode. The best fit model involves a half-space viscosity of 1.1¿1018 Pa s, a relaxation time of 1.7 years, and an elastic layer thickness for northeast Iceland of 10 km. The vertical field indicates that the Krafla dike complex rifted the entire elastic layer. Using model 2, the motion 1987--1990 and 1990--1992 can be simulated adequately given the survey errors, but the 1987--1992 deformation is poorly fitted, suggesting that a more realistic geophysical model is required. Using model 3, a range of dikes will fit the deformation field. ¿ American Geophysical Union 1996

BACKGROUND DATA FILES

Abstract

Keywords
Tectonophysics, Plate boundary—general, Tectonophysics, Plate motions—general
Journal
Journal of Geophysical Research
http://www.agu.org/journals/jb/
Publisher
American Geophysical Union
2000 Florida Avenue N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20009-1277
USA
1-202-462-6900
1-202-328-0566
service@agu.org
Click to clear formClick to return to previous pageClick to submit