Geological features and changes on the Reykjanes Ridge between 62.2° N and 63.3°N

Abstract

Reykjanes Ridge (RR) extends to the south-west from Iceland where it meets the long extending Mid-Atlantic Ridge (MAR). What makes RR unique among MARs is its V-shape, which has been linked to variations in magma productivity in the mantle anomaly beneath Iceland. Series of expeditions over the last two decades set out to map and explore the key surface features of the RR have improved our understanding of its geodynamics. A cruise in the summer of 2018 had the principal goal of finding and studying geothermal areas. In that cruise geothermal area around Steinahóll was mapped along with deeper parts of the ridge. This latest cruise collected large volumes of new data that has yet to be fully utilized. The principal aim of this MSc project is to process this data and, through analysis, identify key geological surface features that typify the area between 62.2° N and 63.3°N. A secondary objective is to compare this new data with existing data sets in order to evaluate whether any changes related to volcanism, tectonism or other geological processes can be detected in this area on the timescale of the observations. In order to answer these questions, I use the multi beam measurements to map the extent and form/shape of geological features and then use this data along with digital elevation models to compare it with existing data sets.