Conditions of the Formation and Evolution of the Tjörnes Transform Zone on the Basis of Physical Modelling

Abstract

The Tjörnes Transform Zone (TZ) is on the northern margin of Iceland, mostly in the shelf zone. It connects the Kolbeinsey spreading ridge and the Northern Rift Zone (RZ) of Iceland. The zone is complexly structured and comprises several heterochronous sections that evolved in various geodynamic conditions. The geodynamic conditions of the formation and evolution of the Tjörnes TZ were reconstructed by means of physical modelling. The models measured the thickness of the model lithosphere, displacement, and the overlapping between the spreading segments. Results of the modelling show that the Tjörnes TZ formed successively, in two stages. The first stage was the formation of the general configuration of the area of interaction of the extension centres of the Kolbeinsey Ridge and the Northern RZ of Iceland in the form of a small overlap of the spreading centres with a rotating block between them. At the second stage, one of the formed transtensional fault zones between the spreading centres became the feeder channel for a magma pulse of the Iceland Plume, which led to the formation of the Grímsey Oblique Rift (OR). Standing alone is the Húsavík-Flatey fault zone that might have formed under the influence of two at a time spreading segments, with the domination of the more magmatically active Northern Rift Zone.