Theistareykjarbunga (Þeistareykjarbunga, Icelandic pronunciation: [ˈθeistaˌreiːcarˌpuŋka] ⓘ) is a shield volcano in north-eastern Iceland with two fissure vents called Þeistareykjahraun [ˈθeiːstaˌreiːcaˌr̥œyːn] and Borgahraun [ˈpɔrkaˌr̥œyːn], and two cones: the 370 m (1,210 ft) Stórahversmór [ˈstouːraˌkʰvɛr̥sˌmouːr̥] and the 540 m (1,770 ft), 30 km3 (7.2 cu mi) Stóravíti [ˈstouːraˌviːtɪ]. They both are currently extinct,[1] although there is evidence suggesting the potential for activity such as recent localised uplift and seismicity.[2] The multiple vents make up the Theistareykir[1] (Þeistareykir) volcanic system, with more recent evidence that the former classification as a shield volcano is better considered an embryonic central volcano with associated fissure swarm, as rhyolite has erupted in a limited area.[3] The recent lava has picrite, olivine tholeiite basalt characteristics but before the ice age there were basaltic andesite and rhyolite eruptions.[3] There is a central high temperature geothermal area with numerous steam vents and fumaroles.[3] This has been utilised by a 90 MWe power station.[2]
| Theistareykjarbunga | |
|---|---|
  Theistareykjarbunga | |
| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 564 m (1,850 ft)[1] |
| Listing | List of volcanoes in Iceland |
| Coordinates | 65°53′N 16°50′W[1] |
| Geology | |
| Mountain type | Shield volcano |
| Last eruption | 900 BCE ± 100 years |
 Geological features near the Theistareykjarbunga volcanic system (red outlines). Other shading shows: '"`UNIQ--templatestyles-00000006-QINU`"' calderas, '"`UNIQ--templatestyles-00000007-QINU`"' central volcanoes and '"`UNIQ--templatestyles-00000008-QINU`"' fissure swarms, '"`UNIQ--templatestyles-00000009-QINU`"' subglacial terrain above 1,100 m (3,600 ft), and '"`UNIQ--templatestyles-0000000A-QINU`"' seismically active areas. Clicking on the image enlarges to full window and enables mouse-over with more detail. | |
Eruptions
There have been three dated eruptions, all VEI-0: the most recent eruption was around 900 BCE and the previous eruption was in 6800 BCE. Around 9500 BCE, an eruption produced approximately 18 billion cubic metres of basaltic lava.[1]
See also
References
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