The volcano-plutonic complex of La Gomera (Canary Islands)

Abstract

Two distinct major units are present in La Gomera island: the basal complex and the later volcanic formations. The basal complex is formed by basic and ultramafic layered plutonic rocks that show a zonal arrangement, and submarine sedimentary and volcanic rocks overlying them. The ensemble is cut by an extremely dense dyke swarm, amounting to 80% of the rock in volume. There is an important « stratigraphic » hiatus between the basal complex and the later volcanic formations. These are constituted of trachyticphonolitic and basaltic series separated by unconformities. A process of alkalinization of the host rocks produced by the intrusion of syenitic rocks is described. The consolidation of the plutonic rocks could have happened in a reservoir beneath a volcano or else at deep levels of the crust or in the upper mantle. In either case, after consolidation, they were uplifted and croded and then submarine materials covered them. New uplift accompanied by the intrusion of the dyke swarm took place later. This dyke swarm is thought to represent the roots of an important and now destroyed volcanic field. It is postulated that the repeated intrusion of magmas in the area was possible due to the development of a zone of weakness within a field of tensional stresses that could be related to the formation of the atlantic rift. The trachytic-phonolitic formation situated imediately over the main unconformity represents the roots of an croded volcanic field formed by the accumulation of cumulo domes and related materials.