Volcanism of the South Aegean Volcanic Arc

Georges E Vougioukalakis,Christopher G Satow,Timothy H Druitt

doi:10.2138/gselements.15.3.159

Abstract

Volcanism along the South Aegean volcanic arc began about 4.7 Ma and has lasted until the present day, with eruptions at Methana, Milos, Santorini, Kolumbo and Nisyros volcanoes in historical times. These volcanoes can be grouped into five volcanic fields: three western fields of small, mostly monogenetic edifices, and two central/eastern fields with composite cones and calderas that have produced large explosive eruptions. Crustal tectonics exerts a strong control over the locations of edifices and vents at all five volcanic fields. Tephra and cryptotephra layers in deep-marine sediments preserve a continuous record of arc volcanism in the Aegean as far back as 200,000 years. Hazards from the volcanoes include high ash plumes, pyroclastic flows and tsunamis. Monitoring networks should be improved and expanded.

Highlights

The South Aegean Volcanic Arc lies in the densely populated Eastern Mediterranean region, the cradle of western civilization
Studies at Santorini were pivotal in the development of some concepts of modern volcanology, such as how calderas form
We provide an overview of the volcanoes making up this unique and fascinating island arc, their deep-sea tephra records, their relationships to regional tectonics, their natural resources, and their hazards

Summary

Introduction

The South Aegean Volcanic Arc lies in the densely populated Eastern Mediterranean region, the cradle of western civilization. Quaternary activity was concentrated in central Milos in three periods: (1) a large rhyolitic lava field (1.1–0.9 Ma), (2) the Trachylas tuff ring and associated rhyolitic flow (0.38 Ma; rhyolitic domes of south Antimilos have the same age); (3) the Fyriplaka rhyolitic tuff ring and associated flows within the N–S-trending Zephyria graben (90 ka from K–Ar dating; 19 ka from fission track dating).

Results

Conclusion