Is Isostatic Rebound in Slow Spreading Gakkel Ridge of Arctic Region Due to the Climate Change? A Case Study

Abstract

Ny-Alesund, Swalbard region which is located in the mid-ocean ridge of the Arctic Ocean, and named Gakkel ridge, is the slowest spreading ridge of the global system. In the present study an attempt has been made to associate isostatic rebound using GPS campaign data collected at Ny-Alesund area. The Artic Region Campaign GPS network was established in 2009. The network consists of three campaign mode station. The distance between GPS point is about ~30 km. The preliminary results of our investigation appear broadly consistent with the recent tectonic activity in western Svalbard. The resultant velocity vector is 14.84 mm·yr–1 with an azimuth of 27.67°N and a vertical displacement of 7.62 ± 3.0 mm·yr–1 is estimated in Swalbard, in which we presume Glacial Isostatic Rebound (5.1 mm·yr–1) and post glacial geological process (Present Day Ice Melting, erosion, and shore line deposits) of 2.52 mm per year in the study area.