Abstract
Ever since the universal occurrence and unique composition of “oceanic tholeiites” was defined by Engel et al. [1,2], the “differentiated” or “undepleted” nature of Icelandic basalts has become increasingly apparent [3–6]. This, in conjunction with the high elevation of Iceland relative to the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, and its anomalous volcanic productivity throughout 70 m.y. (as witnessed by the aseismic Wyville-Thompson ridge) has clearly defined Iceland the hot spot of the North Atlantic [7–9]. Adjacent to the hot spot a gradient has been established along the mid-ocean ridges next to Iceland, both in the elevation of the sea floor [several authors in this volume] and in the chemical and isotopic composition of the volcanics [10,11].
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Sigvaldason, G.E., Steinthórsson, S. (1974). Chemistry of Tholeiitic Basalts from Iceland and their Relation to the Kverkfjöll Hot Spot. In: Kristjansson, L. (eds) Geodynamics of Iceland and the North Atlantic Area. NATO Advanced Study Institutes Series, vol 11. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-010-2271-2_10
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-010-2271-2_10
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