Abstract

AbstractLocated on the Hellenic Arc, the Christiana‐Santorini‐Kolumbo (CSK) rift zone represents one of the most active and hazardous volcano‐tectonic systems in the Mediterranean. Although this rift zone has been intensively studied, its tectonic evolution and the interplay of volcanism and tectonism are still poorly understood. In this study, we use high‐resolution reflection seismic imagery to reconstruct the opening of the rift basins. For the first time, we relate the activity of individual faults with the activity of specific volcanic centers in space and time. Our analysis shows a pre‐volcanic NNE‐SSW‐oriented paleo basin underneath the CSK volcanoes, representing a transfer zone between Pliocene ESE‐WNW‐oriented basins, which was overprinted by a NE‐SW‐oriented tectonic regime hosting Late Pliocene volcanism that initiated at the Christiana Volcano. All subsequent volcanoes evolved parallel to this trend. Two major Pleistocene tectonic pulses preceded fundamental changes in the volcanism of the CSK rift including the occurrence of widespread small‐scale volcanic centers followed by focusing of activity at Santorini with increasing explosivity. The observed correlation between changes in the tectonic system and the magmatism of the CSK volcanoes suggests a deep‐seated tectonic control of the volcanic plumbing system. In turn, our analysis reveals the absence of large‐scale faults in basin segments affected by volcanism indicating a secondary feedback mechanism on the tectonic system. A comparison with the evolution of the neighboring Kos‐Nisyros‐Yali volcanic field zone and Rhodos highlights concurrent regional volcano‐tectonic changes, suggesting a potential arc‐wide scale of the observed volcano‐tectonic interplay.

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.