New Conceptual Model for the Magma-Hydrothermal-Tectonic System of Krafla, NE Iceland

Abstract

The complexity of the Krafla volcano and its geothermal system(s) has puzzled geoscientists for decades. New and old geoscientific studies are reviewed in order to shed some light on this complexity. The geological structure and history of the volcano is more complex than hitherto believed. The visible 110 ka caldera hosts, now buried, an 80 ka inner caldera. Both calderas are bisected by an ESE-WNW transverse low-density structure. Resistivity surveys show that geothermal activity has mainly been within the inner caldera but cut through by the ESE-WNW structure. The complexity of the geothermal system in the main drill field can be understood by considering the tectonic history. Isotope composition of the thermal fluids strongly suggests at least three different geothermal systems. Silicic magma encountered in wells K-39 and IDDP-1 indicates a hitherto overlooked heat transport mechanism in evolved volcanos. Basaltic intrusions into subsided hydrothermally altered basalt melt the hydrated parts, producing a buoyant silicic melt which migrates upwards forming sills at shallow crustal levels which are heat sources for the geothermal system above. This can explain the bimodal behavior of evolved volcanos like Krafla and Askja, with occasional silicic, often phreatic, eruptions but purely basaltic in-between. When substantial amounts of silicic intrusions/magma have accumulated, major basalt intrusion(s) may “ignite” them causing a silicic eruption.

Keywords

• krafla volcano
• geothermal systems
• conceptual models
• volcanology