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Geothermal flux through palagonitized tephra, Surtsey, Iceland - The Surtsey temperature-data-relay experiment via Landsat-1The net geothermal flux through palagonitized basaltic tephra rims of the Surtur I and Surtur II craters at Surtsey, Iceland, in 1972, is estimated at 780 plus or minus 325 microcal/sq cm/s, indicating a decline since 1969 when a flux of 1500 microcal/sq cm/s was estimated. Heat flux in this range characterizes the postvolcanic environment on Surtsey in which the subaerial polagonitization of basaltic tephra is associated with mass transfer of hydrothermal vapor, either of meteoric or sea-water origin, only a few years after cessation of eruptive activity. The flux estimation is the result of the Surtsey data-relay experiment via Landsat-1 which was carried out in several phases. Temperature data were transmitted for a 38-day period in November and December 1972. A near-surface vertical gradient of 69.4 C/m was obtained, suggesting a mixed mechanism of heat transfer, partitioned between conduction and convection.
Document ID
19770030796
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
Authors
Friedman, J. D.
Preble, D. M.
Jakobsson, S.
Date Acquired
August 9, 2013
Publication Date
December 1, 1976
Publication Information
Publication: U.S. Geological Survey
Subject Category
Earth Resources And Remote Sensing
Accession Number
77A13648
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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