The Eastern Volcanic Rift Zone is unique and shows the interplay between tectonic drift and rift process. The rifting is perpendicular to the tectonic drift.
The drift vectors ara symmetrical around NS-axis.
The drift in the western half is slightly faster than in the eastern half. The drift vectors tend to be perpendicular to equatorial convection rolls, and thereby the vectors are aligned along the polar convection rolls. Information about the measurements of tectonic drift is found here: https://www.lmi.is/static/files/utgefid_efni/Maelingar/isnet_endurmael_2016_skyrsla.pdf
The rifting perpendicular to basic drift direction results in a row of craters like Lakagígar
This picture is found on a sign in the middle of the Eldhraun Lava Field which did flow in the year 1783.
I am a geologist, graduated from the University of Iceland, and taught geology for a few years. I have gained some knowledge about Earth's inner structure, so I provide this website as my contribution to answer one of the greatest questions remaining within the realm of geoscience. Experiments show that the mantle should form convection rolls when close to the melting point. I took this literally, and calculated the dimensions and shape of these mantle convection rolls. Then I compare that model with the surface. This makes it possible to provide many interesting examples about geology found on my blog.
View all posts by Steingrimur Thorbjarnarson