Theistareykjarbunga | |
---|---|
Highest point | |
Elevation | 564 m (1,850 ft)[1] |
Listing | List of volcanoes in Iceland |
Coordinates | 65°53′N 16°50′W / 65.883°N 16.833°W[1] |
Geology | |
Mountain type | Shield volcano |
Last eruption | 900 BCE ± 100 years |
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]