"According to tiltmeters, the inflation of the Krafla magma reservoirs had by early January reached similar levels as before the November eruption (6:11). The inflation rate was slowing somewhat as is usually observed after the initial rapid recovery. This recovery rate was similar to the fastest rate observed after previous eruptions and deflations. There were therefore still no signs that the Krafla episode is nearing its end or final phases."

Further Reference. Tryggvason, E., 1984, Widening of the Krafla fissure swarm during the 1975-1981 volcano-tectonic episode: BV, v. 47, p. 47-71.

Geological Summary. The Krafla central volcano, located NE of Myvatn lake, is a topographically indistinct 10-km-wide caldera that is cut by a N-S-trending fissure system. Eruption of a rhyolitic welded tuff about 100,000 years ago was associated with formation of the caldera. Krafla has been the source of many rifting and eruptive events during the Holocene, including two in historical time, during 1724-29 and 1975-84. The prominent Hverfjall and Ludent tuff rings east of Myvatn were erupted along the 100-km-long fissure system, which extends as far as the north coast of Iceland. Iceland's renowned Myvatn lake formed during the eruption of the older Laxarhraun lava flow from the Ketildyngja shield volcano of the Fremrinamur volcanic system about 3800 years before present (BP); its present shape is constrained by the roughly 2000 years BP younger Laxarhraun lava flow from the Krafla volcanic system. The abundant pseudocraters that form a prominent part of the Myvatn landscape were created when the younger Laxarhraun lava flow entered the lake.

Information Contacts: K. Grönvold, NVI.