Rit (Vísindafélag Íslendinga) - 01.06.1967, Page 210

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probably could not account for the anomalies found on the
Reykjanes Ridge. Nevertheless it would be of importance to
study the magnetization of dykes.
Age determinations of rocks are a fundamental factor and
should be taken up in this country. At present the K/Ar
method seems to be the most promising although the Icelan-
dic basalt is by no means an ideal material. The fission track
method should also be studied.
G. E. Sigvaldason:
In the field of petrology and geochemistry of basaltic rocks
our effort should be considerably increased in order to ob-
tain pertinent information on the chemical constitution of
the basalts in the Mid-Icelandic rift zone. These studies
should be directed towards a better knowledge of the chemi-
cal and petrological relationship between individual volcanic
centers and the changes which have taken place with time.
As far as can be judged from the available data there is
no important evidence indicating that the Icelandic basalts
are contaminated by crustal or continental material. Accor-
dingly these basalts can probably be looked upon as equally
valid samples of subcrustal material as any incidental dredge
samples from the submerged parts of the ocean ridges. Here
on the other hand the samples can be related to various
fundamental parameters which greatly increase the value
of their study.
At present several areas in Iceland are under petrographic
and chemical study. This work, however, is in its initial stages
and the progress is too slow. My feeling is that we should
intensify those studies which already have started rather than
initiate new projects.
As far as training and equipment is concemed we are ade-
quately furnished to produce the data most urgently needed.
On the other hand we are at the present time not able to
carry out those studies which require the most expensive
equipment such as microprobe or large mass spectrometers.