Fissure‐fill and tunnel‐fill sediments: expressions of permafrost and increased hydrostatic pressure

Abstract

AbstractA spectacular network of fissure fillings and pipes (tunnels) cuts Quaternary gravelly delta deposits northeast of Myvatn, precisely on the spreading axis of the North Icelandic rift zone. The delta was formed in an ice‐contact lake during deglaciation towards the end of the last glaciation. Subsequently the lake was drained and permafrost conditions developed in these poorly sorted gravel deposits. Hydrostatic pressure was transmitted from the adjacent glacier to the non‐frozen core of the delta beneath the discontinuous permafrost crust and the seasonally frozen active layer. Owing to increased hydrostatic pressure, a network of subhorizontal to vertical fissures was opened along the taliks. In these fissures free ground‐water flow and sediment transport were established. Tunnel erosion and probably also seepage erosion were associated with these fissures. Subsequently, the fissures and tunnels were filled by laminated fine sediments interbedded with poorly sorted material resulting in the formation of fissure‐fill sediments and tunnel‐fill sediments.