Theistareykjarbunga

About

Theistareykjarbunga (Þeistareykjarbunga, Icelandic pronunciation: [ˈeistaˌreiːcarˌpuŋka]) is a shield volcano in north-eastern Iceland with two fissure vents called Þeistareykjahraun [ˈeiːstaˌreiːcaˌr̥œyːn] 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, although there is evidence suggesting the potential for activity such as recent localised uplift and seismicity. The multiple vents make up the Theistareykir (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. The recent lava has picrite, olivine tholeiite basalt characteristics but before the ice age there were basaltic andesite and rhyolite eruptions. There is a central high temperature geothermal area with numerous steam vents and fumaroles. This has been utilised by a 90 MWe power station.

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