Geochemical Composition and Stratigraphy of 44 Tephra Layers in Southern Iceland

44 tephra layers from nine sedimentary profiles at three southern Iceland sites associated with early Norse settlement. The dataset combines field observation logs and electron probe micro-analyzer (EPMA) geochemical analyses collected in June 2023 to establish a tephrochronological framework.

Use Cases

• Establish a tephrochronological framework by correlating stratigraphic position with geochemical composition across 44 layers.
• Analyze geochemical signatures from EPMA data to distinguish tephra sources between the Vestmannaeyjar, Seljaland, and Reykjanes peninsula sites.
• Use sedimentary profile logs to reconstruct depositional sequences and environmental contexts for the earliest phases of Norse settlement.
• Correlate tephra layers from the Heimaey, Seljaland, and Húshólmi locations to validate regional volcanic stratigraphy.

Strengths

• Contains 44 distinct tephra layers for analysis.
• Data integrates two elements: field-based sedimentary profile logs and laboratory EPMA geochemical analyses.
• Profiles cover three geographically distinct locations in southern Iceland.
• Field observations and analyses were conducted by named academic experts in 2023.

Limitations

• Sample size is limited to 44 layers from nine profiles, which may restrict statistical power for some geochemical comparisons.
• Geographic scope is confined to three specific sites in southern Iceland, limiting broader regional generalizations.
• The dataset's utility for dynamic modeling may be constrained as it represents a stratigraphic snapshot rather than a time series.

Provenance

Source

Environmental Information Data Centre.

Collection Method

Field observations of sedimentary profiles and laboratory geochemical analyses using an Electron Probe Micro Analyzer (EPMA).

Time Range

Data collected in June 2023; tephra layers chronologically associated with early Norse settlement (9th century CE).

Freshness

Last updated March 2026, with primary data collection in June 2023.

Geography

Three locations in southern Iceland: Heimaey (Vestmannaeyjar), Seljaland, and Húshólmi (Reykjanes peninsula).