Large-scale mass wasting on small volcanic islands revealed by the study of Flores Island (Azores)

Scientific Reports
A HildenbrandJ Catalão

Abstract

Small intra-plate volcanic islands (total height above seafloor <2500 m) have been considered gravitationally stable. Topographic, stratigraphic, structural and new K/Ar data show that the small island of Flores (Azores) is strongly asymmetric and made up of nested volcanic successions. Along the northwestern coastline, ca. 1.2 Ma lava flows are in lateral contact with a younger volcanic unit (ca. 0.7 Ma), reflecting the existence of a steep lateral discontinuity. From the general dip of the lava flows, their age and the arcuate geometry of the contact, we infer a major landslide that removed the western flank of the older volcano. Further inland, E-dipping lava flows at the summit of the island are ca. 1.3 Ma, suggesting another landslide structure that displaced the whole western half of the former volcanic edifice. Available offshore data show a large hummocky field west of Flores, here interpreted as voluminous debris-avalanche deposits. Unlike the eastern and central Azores islands, Flores sits on a relatively stable tectonic setting. Therefore, we propose that small-size volcanic islands can be sufficiently gravitationally unstable to experience recurrent episodes of large-scale mass wasting triggered by mechanisms other ...Continue Reading

References

Mar 7, 2014·Nature Communications·Antoine LucasJean Paul Ampuero
May 16, 2017·Nature Communications·Raphaël ParisFrançois Nauret
Oct 25, 2017·Nature Communications·Francesco MaccaferriThomas R Walter
Dec 14, 2017·Nature Communications·James E Hunt, Ian Jarvis
Jan 20, 2018·Scientific Reports·James E HuntPeter J Talling
May 8, 2018·Scientific Reports·Dávid KarátsonSzabolcs Kósik
Jul 7, 2018·Scientific Reports·Julia RicciJean-Pierre Valet

❮ Previous
Next ❯

Citations

Feb 16, 2021·Biodiversity Data Journal·Ana I Azevedo NetoIgnacio Moreu
Sep 18, 2021·Scientific Reports·Manon Robbe-SaulePhilippe Gondret

❮ Previous
Next ❯

Methods Mentioned

BETA
lava
flows
flow

Software Mentioned

DigitalGlobe
CIVISA
CiGeoE
Google Earth
EMODnet

Related Concepts

Related Feeds

Cachexia & Brown Fat

Cachexia is a condition associated with progressive weight loss due to severe illness. In cancer patients, it is proposed to occur as a result of tumor-induced energy wasting. Several proteins have been implicated in browning and depletion of white adipose tissue. Here is the latest research on cachexia and brown fat.

Cardiac Cachexia

Cardiac cachexia is a syndrome associated with the progressive loss of muscle and fat mass. It most commonly affects patients with heart failure and can significantly decrease the quality of life and survival in these patients. Here is the latest research on cardiac cachexia.