Measurement of tectonic rock deformation in Iceland with the DD 1 Strain Transducer

Tectonic activity at the boundary between the American and European continental plates leads to deformations of the earth's crust.

Tectonic activity at the boundary between the American and European continental plates leads to deformations of the earth's crust. These deformations, which are of interest to geologists studying the mechanism that is responsible for the movement of the plates, can be only monitored in Iceland.

After a short introduction to the geological aspects, this article describes how long-term measurements can be made on horizontal rock deformations using a modified strain transducer. Details are given on how the measuring sites were set up for measurement, including calibration techniques. The results bear a close relationship to the acute tectonic activity.