Three‐dimensional structure of the submarine flanks of La Réunion inferred from geophysical data

Abstract

La Réunion (Indian Ocean) constitutes a huge volcanic oceanic system of which most of the volume is submerged. We present a study of its submarine part based on the interpretation of magnetic and gravity data compiled from old and recent surveys. A model of the submarine internal structure is derived from 3‐D and 2‐D models using constraints from previous geological and geophysical studies. Two large‐scale, previously unknown, buried volcanic construction zones are discovered in continuation of the island's construction. To the east, the Alizés submarine zone is interpreted as the remnants of Les Alizés volcano eastward flank whose center is marked by a large hypovolcanic intrusion complex. To the southwest, the Etang Salé submarine zone is interpreted as an extension of Piton des Neiges, probably fed by a volcanic rift zone over a large extent. They were predominantly built during the Matuyama period and thus probably belong to early volcanism. A correlation exists between their top and seismic horizons recognized in previous studies and interpreted as the base of the volcanic edifice. Their morphology suggested a lithospheric bulging beneath La Réunion, not required to explain our data, since the seismic interfaces match the top of our volcanic constructions. The coastal shelf coincides with a negative Bouguer anomaly belt, often associated with magnetic anomalies, suggesting a shelf built by hyaloclastites. A detailed analysis of the offshore continuation of La Montagne Massif to the north confirms this hypothesis. The gravity analysis confirms that the bathymetric bulges, forming the northern, eastern, southern, and western submarine flanks, are predominantly built by debris avalanche deposits at the surface.