miðhafshryggi

Miðhafshryggi, meaning "Mediterranean Ridge" in Icelandic, refers to a geological feature located in the eastern Mediterranean Sea. It is an underwater mountain range that forms part of the broader Hellenic Arc. This arc is a significant geological structure created by the subduction of the African Plate beneath the Eurasian Plate.

The miðhafshryggi is characterized by its complex bathymetry, with steep slopes and numerous peaks. It plays a role in the seismicity of the region, as the ongoing tectonic activity associated with the subduction zone can lead to earthquakes. The ridge also influences oceanographic currents and marine ecosystems in the surrounding waters.

Geologically, the miðhafshryggi is composed of various rock types, including volcanic and sedimentary rocks, reflecting its complex formation history. Research in this area aims to understand the dynamics of plate tectonics in the eastern Mediterranean, as well as to assess potential geohazards such as tsunamis. The feature is of interest to geologists, oceanographers, and seismologists studying this active tectonic boundary.