Active Rift Zone Research Articles

Rift obliquity in the Northern Volcanic Zone in Iceland using UAV-based structural data

Rift obliquity is known to be very frequent at divergent plate boundaries and shear components in the opening of fissures have been detected through seismicity in the monitoring of recent rifting events. However, the field structural evidence of obliquity in active rifts for Holocene events is still poorly studied, despite its relevance at both the lithospheric and upper-crust scales.We performed extensive high resolution UAV surveys on Holocene terrains in four areas along the active rift in the Northern Volcanic Zone of Iceland, to map structures and morphotectonic features in detail. We did a kinematic analysis and found an increase of the obliquity from N to S.We further discuss the origins of this obliquity and suggest that the combination of inherited structures reactivation, magmatic intrusions, and topography influence on the propagation of both fractures and magma intrusions can have an impact on the mismatch between rift opening direction and the far-field strain.We conclude that obliquity can be inferred for Holocene rifting events from surface structural data. It is thus fundamental to take into account the existing structural pattern and its (re)activation history in active rift zones to avoid missing out on possible preferential structure reactivation, magma propagation ways, and eruption sites during the monitoring of ongoing rifting events.

Pre-existing structural control on the recent Holuhraun eruptions along the Bárðarbunga spreading center, Iceland

The active rift zones in Iceland provide unique insight into the geodynamic processes of divergent plate boundaries. The geodynamics of Iceland are studied intensively, particularly, by geophysical methods sensitive to active and/or visible structures such as earthquake seismic and Synthetic Aperture Radar observations or aerial photographs. However, older and less active structures, that may exert a strong control on the presently active geodynamics, are often buried beneath recent volcanic or sedimentary deposits and are—due to their passive mode—overseen by the typical geophysical investigations. Aeromagnetic surveys provide spatial information about subsurface magnetization contrasts relating to both active and inactive structures. However, the aeromagnetic data in Iceland were collected in the 1970-80s and are relevant only to large-scale regional rift studies. With the availability of reliable drones and light-weight atomic scalar sensors, high-quality drone magnetic surveys can provide an unprecedented spatial resolution of both active and passive structures of rift systems as compared to conventional airborne surveys. Here, we present the results of a drone-towed magnetic scalar field and scalar gradiometry study of the north-northeast trending Bárðarbunga spreading center to the north of the Vatnajökull ice cap, Iceland. Our results provide new information about the structural complexity of rift zones with evidence of densely-spaced, conjugate and oblique faults throughout the area. Evidence is shown of a hitherto unknown and prominent east-northeast trending fault structure that coincides with the northern tip of the main eruption edifice of the 1797 and 2014-15 Holuhraun volcanic events. We suggest that this pre-existing structure controlled the locus of vertical magma migration during the two Holuhraun events.

Feeders vs arrested dikes: A case study from the Younger Stampar eruption in Iceland

Understanding the mechanical conditions for dike arrest and associated surface deformation or, alternatively, dike propagation to the surface to supply magma to an eruption, is of fundamental importance for volcanology in general and for volcanic hazards in particular. Here we present the results of a study of an outcrop located in the Reykjanes Peninsula, SW Iceland, where one dike became arrested only 5 m below the surface of an active volcanic system, without inducing any brittle deformation at the surface. In the same outcrop, at a distance of 30 m, a feeder dike is exposed. Both dikes are associated with the Younger Stampar eruption (1210–1240 CE). We reconstructed a high-resolution 3D model, through drone surveys and Structure from Motion (SfM) techniques, on which we collected detailed structural data combined with field surveys. These data, integrated with petrographic and geochemical analyses, became inputs to Finite Element Method (FEM) numerical models, made using the COMSOL Multiphysics® software. Our results indicate that compression exerted by the intrusion of the feeder dike (inferred to have been emplaced first) can explain the arrest of the second dike and the absence of induced brittle deformation even if the dike tip is only 5 m below the surface. Furthermore, the contrasting mechanical properties of the layers that constitute the outcrop, with alternating stiff lavas and compliant tuffs, raise (concentrate) the compressive stresses in the lava flows ahead of the second dike, thereby encouraging its arrest. Both the dikes are basaltic, but the earlier emplaced feeder dike is crystal poor and slightly more evolved than the later emplaced arrested dike. The results throw a new light on the conditions for dike arrest and (the lack of) dike-induced brittle deformation at very shallow depths in active rift zones, with important implications for volcanic-hazard assessments.

The 2018 Eruption of Kīlauea: Insights, Puzzles, and Opportunities for Volcano Science

The science of volcanology advances disproportionately during exceptionally large or well-observed eruptions. The 2018 eruption of Kīlauea Volcano (Hawai‘i) was its most impactful in centuries, involving an outpouring of more than one cubic kilometer of basalt, a magnitude 7 flank earthquake, and the volcano's largest summit collapse since at least the nineteenth century. Eruptive activity was documented in detail, yielding new insights into large caldera-rift eruptions; the geometry of a shallow magma storage-transport system and its interaction with rift zone tectonics; mechanisms of basaltic tephra-producing explosions; caldera collapse mechanics; and the dynamics of fissure eruptions and high-volume lava flows. Insights are broadly applicable to a range of volcanic systems and should reduce risk from future eruptions. Multidisciplinary collaboration will be required to fully leverage the diversity of monitoring data to address many of the most important outstanding questions. ▪Unprecedented observations of a caldera collapse and coupled rift zone eruption yield new opportunities for advancing volcano science.▪Magma flow to a low-elevation rift zone vent triggered quasi-periodic step-like collapse of a summit caldera, which pressurized the magma system and sustained the eruption.▪Kīlauea's magmatic-tectonic system is tightly interconnected over tens of kilometers, with complex feedback mechanisms and interrelated hazards over widely varying timescales.▪The eruption revealed magma stored in diverse locations, volumes, and compositions, not only beneath the summit but also within the volcano's most active rift zone.

Integration of Geophysical Methods to Study Deep Structure of the Angara Fault, the Largest in the Baikal Rift

Abstract —The Angara regional fault which is transversal to the Baikal basin totals about 150 km in length and ranks as a major strike-slip fault with the normal component in the seismically active rift zone. Given that its vicinities represent an area with high population density, the emphasis needs to be placed primarily on the study of its structural features. At this, the Angara fault has been poorly studied by geophysical methods. Results of the specialized mapping carried out in the 1990s revealed the block structure of the Angara fault zone, however without a reliable identification of the fault plane, which leaves its position still to be debatable. To establish the Angara fault plane and studying its deep structure, the integration of such geophysical methods as magnetotelluric (MT) sounding, radon emanation and fieldwalking magnetic surveys was required. Their application in the study of the deep structure of the southern parts of the Angara fault allowed revealing anomalies in all of the measured fields, accordingly. The anomaly-forming object, which the authors associate with the deep penetrated Angara fault plane, was expressed in the most distinct way by the magnetotelluric data (as a high-resistivity region (ER = 8500 Ohm∙m) relative to the host rock) and radon emanation survey (radon volumetric activity index RAI ≥ 20). The fact that the magnetic field received only minor distortions from the object may indicate either moderate magnetic characteristics of the latter or a significant occurrence depth. The identified anomaly-forming object localized within the crystalline basement tends to be more sharply expressed in the left bank of the Irkutsk Reservoir, while in the upper part of the cross-section it is overprinted by rocks of the sedimentary cover.

The Hidden Giant: How a rift pulse triggered a cascade of sector collapses and voluminous secondary mass‐transport events in the early evolution of Santorini

AbstractVolcanic island sector collapses have the potential to trigger devastating tsunamis and volcanic eruptions that threaten coastal communities and infrastructure. Considered one of the most hazardous volcano‐tectonic regions in the world, the Christiana‐Santorini‐Kolumbo Volcanic Field (CSKVF) lies in the South Aegean Sea in an active rift zone. Previous studies identified an enigmatic voluminous mass‐transport deposit west and east of Santorini emplaced during the early evolution of the edifice. However, the distribution and volume as well as the nature and emplacement dynamics of this deposit remained unknown up to now. In this study, we use an extensive dataset of high‐resolution seismic profiles to unravel the distribution and internal architecture of this deposit. We show that it is located in all basins surrounding Santorini and has a bulk volume of up to 125 km3, thus representing the largest known volcanic island mass‐transport deposit in the entire Mediterranean Sea. We propose that the deposit is the result of a complex geohazard cascade that was initiated by an intensive rift pulse. This rifting event triggered a series of smaller precursory mass‐transport events before large‐scale sector collapses occurred on the northeastern flank of the extinct Christiana Volcano and on the southeastern flank of the nascent Santorini. This was followed by the emplacement of large‐scale secondary sediment failures on the slopes of Santorini, which transitioned into debris and turbidity flows that traveled far into the neighboring rift basins. Following this cascade, a distinct change in the volcanic behaviour of the CSKVF occurred, suggesting a close relationship between crustal extension, mass transport and volcanism. Cascading geohazards seem to be more common in the evolution of marine volcanic systems than previously appreciated. Wider awareness and a better understanding of cascading effects are crucial for more holistic hazard assessments.

Oxygen isotope evidence for progressively assimilating trans-crustal magma plumbing systems in Iceland

Abstract The oxygen isotope composition of mantle-derived melts can place important constraints on how magmas are processed as they traverse the crust. Assimilation of crustal material is a crucial aspect of basalt petrogenesis, as it affects the chemical and rheological characteristics of eruptive magmas at active volcanoes. We report oxygen isotope (δ18O) and trace element (TE) data from a suite of well-characterized basaltic melt inclusions and groundmass glasses from the Bárðarbunga volcanic system in Iceland to assess how and where in the plumbing system crustal rocks interact with ascending magmas. While both melt inclusions and groundmass glasses record a large range in δ18O values (+3.2‰ to +6.4‰ and +2.6‰ to +5.5‰, respectively) groundmass glasses record lower values on average. Relationships between incompatible trace element (e.g., Zr/Nb) and oxygen isotope ratios are best explained with three-component mixing, where primary melts derived from depleted and enriched mantle components with distinct δ18O values mix and acquire a low-δ18O character upon progressive contamination with altered Icelandic crust. The majority (60%) of melt inclusions require 10–30% exchange of oxygen with the Icelandic crust. In addition, for the first time, we link the extent of oxygen isotope exchange with melt equilibration depths, showing that most of the contamination occurs at 1–2 kbar (3–7 km depth). We propose that a progressively assimilating, multi-tiered plumbing system is a characteristic feature of the Bárðarbunga volcanic system, whereby chemical modifications resulting from interaction with the crust systematically increase as melts migrate through higher crustal levels. We show that similar processes may also occur across the active rift zone in Iceland.

Evidence of an active rift zone in the northern Okinawa Trough

The character of continental rifting processes in the northern part of the Okinawa Trough remains largely unknown due to the absence of an obvious axial rift zone or recent rift-related volcanism in the region. This paper describes the discovery of a tectonically and magmatically active rift zone in the northern trough, and discusses the nature of the rift. Ship-based bathymetry identified a group of NE–SW-trending surface lineaments on the western margin of the northern trough that form a small rift structure. The newly discovered rift, named the Uji Rift, is ~30 km long, ~10 km wide and ~180 m deep. A seismic reflection profile near the rift confirmed the existence of well-developed normal faults with large displacements, suggesting that the rift was formed by back-arc rifting. A previously unknown volcanic edifice, named West Uji Knoll, which consists of multiple cones with pronounced summits and high acoustic backscatter characteristics, also exists within the rift. High-resolution mapping with an autonomous underwater vehicle at one of the cones confirmed the existence of lava flow and eruptive fissure morphologies. Lava flows cover the pre-existing lineaments that form the Uji Rift. The flows are undissected by any lineaments, suggesting that West Uji Knoll is a young submarine volcano and the most recent eruptions likely occurred after rifting activity in the early or late Pleistocene. Active magmatism is also inferred from evidence of hydrothermal venting, such as the existence of an acoustic plume and sharp temperature increases of up to ~0.06 °C, even at a depth of ~100 m above the seafloor. In addition, three bubble plumes were detected near the cones by the shipboard multibeam sonar, suggesting emission of magmatic gases. Our volcano-tectonic observations show that the Uji Rift developed at an unusual location, ~170 km behind the arc volcanic front. Continental rifting in the northern Okinawa Trough is considered to extend onshore at the Beppu-Shimabara Rift Zone in SW Japan. However, due to the small number of submarine studies in this area, where and how the rifting is developing in the trough and has extended from the ocean to the continent is poorly understood. As an active rift, the Uji Rift provides an important constraint on the continuity of rifting in the Okinawa Trough, as well as new insights into the propagation and migration processes of continental rifting in subduction systems.

Lava flow hazard map of Piton de la Fournaise volcano

Abstract. Piton de la Fournaise, situated on La Réunion island (France), is one of the most active hot spot basaltic shield volcanoes worldwide, experiencing at least two eruptions per year since the establishment of the volcanological observatory in 1979. Eruptions are typically fissure-fed and form extensive lava flow fields. About 95 % of some ∼ 250 historical events (since the first confidently dated eruption in 1708) have occurred inside an uninhabited horseshoe-shaped caldera (hereafter referred to as the Enclos), which is open to the ocean on its eastern side. Rarely (12 times since the 18th century), fissures have opened outside of the Enclos, where housing units, population centers, and infrastructure are at risk. In such a situation, lava flow hazard maps are a useful way of visualizing lava flow inundation probabilities over large areas. Here, we present the up-to-date lava flow hazard map for Piton de la Fournaise based on (i) vent distribution, (ii) lava flow recurrence times, (iii) statistics of lava flow lengths, and (iv) simulations of lava flow paths using the DOWNFLOW stochastic numerical model. The map of the entire volcano highlights the spatial distribution probability of future lava flow invasion for the medium to long term (years to decades). It shows that the most probable location for future lava flow is within the Enclos (where there are areas with up to 12 % probability), a location visited by more than 100 000 visitors every year. Outside of the Enclos, probabilities reach 0.5 % along the active rift zones. Although lava flow hazard occurrence in inhabited areas is deemed to be very low (< 0.1 %), it may be underestimated as our study is only based on post-18th century records and neglects older events. We also provide a series of lava flow hazard maps inside the Enclos, computed on a multi-temporal (i.e., regularly updated) topography. Although hazard distribution remains broadly the same over time, some changes are noticed throughout the analyzed periods due to improved digital elevation model (DEM) resolution, the high frequency of eruptions that constantly modifies the topography, and the lava flow dimensional characteristics and paths. The lava flow hazard map for Piton de la Fournaise presented here is reliable and trustworthy for long-term hazard assessment and land use planning and management. Specific hazard maps for short-term hazard assessment (e.g., for responding to volcanic crises) or considering the cycles of activity at the volcano and different event scenarios (i.e., events fed by different combinations of temporally evolving superficial and deep sources) are required for further assessment of affected areas in the future – especially by atypical but potentially extremely hazardous large-volume eruptions. At such an active site, our method supports the need for regular updates of DEMs and associated lava flow hazard maps if we are to be effective in keeping up to date with mitigation of the associated risks.

Предварительная оценка сейсмической опасности района Арктического хребта Гаккеля и окрестностей

This study describes primary data, methods of estimation and final results of the preliminary seismic hazard assessment in the region of the Gakkel Ridge that is a northernmost seismogenic zone of the Earth. According to geological data, the region is considered potentially oil and gas, but its industrial development has not yet begun. These authors for the Baltic Sea did the similar work earlier. At the first stage of this study, the earthquake catalog unified in magnitude Mw was compiled for the period from 1912 to 2014. Information on seismic events from historical sources and the ISC catalog was used, as well as the results of observations of the Arkhangelsk seismic network in the Arctic for 2014–2018. The representative part of earthquake data was revealed and the seismic regime has been studied. By seismicity origin, the region is divided into the highly active rift zone of the Gakkel Ridge and the continental slopes of the Barents, Kara and eastern Laptev seas with weaker activity, separated and framed by aseismic areas like the Nansen, Amundsen basins and the Lomonosov Ridge. The seismic zoning of the study region was carried out based on structural analysis of geological and geophysical data. The mapping of probabilistic seismic hazard in terms of maximum accelerations of PGA soil movements for a return period of 500 and 100 years (10% probability of exceedance in the next 50 and 10 years) was conducted using the CRISIS program. As expected, the most dangerous was the Gakkel zone about 200 km wide.

Seismic Evidence of Magmatic Rifting in the Offshore Taupo Volcanic Zone, New Zealand

AbstractRelationships between extensional tectonics and magmatism are ubiquitous in continental rifts and oceanic spreading centers. Yet few studies document interactions between extensional faults and mantle melts in volcanic arcs. We constrain the crustal structure of the extensional offshore Taupo Volcanic Zone (TVZ) from a marine multichannel and wide‐angle seismic experiment. The TVZ crust thins from >26 km to ∼18–19 km across ∼50 km in the Bay of Plenty. Elevated P wave velocities in the lower crust indicate mafic additions. Magmatic sills between 4‐ and 15‐km depth lie beneath listric normal faults in a ∼40‐km‐wide active rift zone. P wave velocities in the middle and upper crust along the arc front are ∼0.3–0.5 km/s slower than in the adjacent crust, indicating a possible thermal anomaly imparted by heat from magmatic intrusions. We propose that rifting in the offshore TVZ is partially compensated by intrusions and assisted by thermal weakening of the lithosphere.

Seismicity and Velocity Structure of Lō'ihi Submarine Volcano and Southeastern Hawai'i

AbstractHundreds of earthquakes were recorded during a nine‐month ocean bottom seismometer deployment surrounding Lō'ihi submarine volcano, Hawai'i. The 12‐station ocean bottom seismometer network widened the aperture of earthquake detection around the Big Island, allowing better constraints on the location of seismicity offshore Hawai'i. Although this deployment occurred during a time of volcanic quiescence for Lō'ihi, it establishes an important basis for background seismicity of the volcano. Offshore seismicity during this study was dominated by events located in the mantle fault zone at depths of 25–40 km. These events reflect rupture on preexisting faults in the lower lithosphere caused by stresses induced by volcano loading and flexure of the Pacific Plate (Pritchard et al., 2007, https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365‐246X.2006.03169.x; Wolfe et al., 2004, https://doi.org/10.1029/2003GC000618). Tomography was performed using double‐difference seismic tomography and showed shallow velocities to be slower than the regional velocity model (HG50; Klein, 1981, https://pubs.geoscienceworld.org/ssa/bssa/article/71/5/1503/118231/A‐linear‐gradient‐crustal‐model‐for‐south‐Hawaii). A broad, low‐velocity anomaly was observed from 20–40‐km depth, and is suggestive of the central plume conduit that supplies magma to Lō'ihi and the active volcanoes of the Big Island. A localized high‐velocity body is observed 4–6‐km depth beneath Lō'ihi's summit, extending 10 km to the north and south. Following Lō'ihi's active rift zones and crossing the summit, this high‐velocity body is characteristic of intrusive material. Two low‐velocity anomalies are observed below the oceanic crust, interpreted as melt accumulation beneath Lō'ihi and magmatic underplating beneath Hawai'i Island.

Mafic tiers and transient mushes: evidence from Iceland.

It is well established that magmatism is trans-crustal, with melt storage and processing occurring over a range of depths. Development of this conceptual model was based on observations of the products of magmatism at spreading ridges, including Iceland. Petrological barometry and tracking of the solidification process has been used to show that the Icelandic crust is built by crystallization over a range of depths. The available petrological evidence indicates that most of the active rift zones are not underlain by extensive and pervasive crystal mush. Instead, the microanalytical observations from Iceland are consistent with a model where magmatic processing in the lower crust occurs in sills of decimetric vertical thickness. This stacked sills mode of crustal accretion corresponds to that proposed for the oceanic crust on the basis of ophiolite studies. A key feature of these models is that the country rock for the sills is hot but subsolidus. This condition can be met if the porosity in thin crystal mushes at the margins of the sills is occluded by primitive phases, a contention that is consistent with observations from cumulate nodules in Icelandic basalts. The conditions required for the stabilization of trans-crustal mushes may not be present in magmatic systems at spreading ridges. This article is part of the Theo Murphy meeting issue 'Magma reservoir architecture and dynamics'.

Seismic Evidence on Different Rifting Mechanisms in Southern and Northern Segments of the Fenhe‐Weihe Rift Zone

AbstractThe Fenhe‐Weihe Rift (FWR) system is one of the most active rift zones in east China, and plays an important role in the reactivation of the North China Craton. In this work, a high‐resolution 3‐D lithospheric S wave velocity model of the FWR is built by joint inversion of receiver functions and ambient noise. Strong correlation between topography and tectonic features is observed at shallow depths. At great depths, strong heterogeneities are observed along the FWR: (1) high‐velocity anomalies emerge beneath the Weihe and Taiyuan basins in the lower crust; (2) two high‐velocity anomalies are imaged in the uppermost mantle beneath the south to central FWR; and (3) two strong large‐scale, low‐velocity zones are observed beneath the north Trans‐North China Oregon: one is at ~60 km and the other one is much larger with a deeper source. Based on the petrologic properties, geochemical analyses, and seismic images obtained in this work, we propose that the rifting mechanisms between the south and north FWR are different. In the south, the rifting could be mainly caused by the passive effects from the uplift of the Tibetan Plateau, while in the north the rifting is due to the combined effects of the asthenosphere upwelling and the counterclockwise rotation of the Ordos block. The uppermost mantle high‐velocity anomalies underneath the south to central part of the FWR could be the remnants of strong ancient cratonic root, and act as mechanical barriers to block the rifting processes between the south and north FWR.

Rift‐Parallel Strike‐Slip Faulting Near the Iceland Plate Boundary Zone: Implications for Propagating Rifts

AbstractStrongly lineated terrain outside of Iceland's active plate boundary zones is created by faults and dikes aligned with the rift zones where they formed, similar to the spreading fabric defined by abyssal hills generated at mid‐ocean ridge spreading centers. As expected, rift‐parallel normal faults and fissures dominate in the active rift zones, but in older crust to the east and west, faults with strike‐slip and oblique‐slip displacements dominate. Some areas have widespread, small‐scale, strike‐slip, and oblique‐slip faults, while others have more widely spaced, larger, strike‐slip fault zones. In most cases, the strike‐slip and oblique‐slip faults strike subparallel to nearby older dikes and normal faults assumed to indicate the orientation of the rift zones where they formed. Strike‐slip displacements overprinting normal faults and along dike margins suggest reactivation of spreading‐related zones of weakness. More complicated fault geometries and kinematics occur near the oblique rifts and the major transform fault zones. The sense of movement on the strike‐slip and oblique‐slip faults is broadly systematic with respect to the active Northern and Eastern Rift Zones supporting the interpretation that they are the result of crustal block rotations on either side of rift zones that propagate to the north and south away from the center of the Iceland hot spot. Similar fault kinematics may occur along mid‐ocean ridges and other magmatic rifts where rift propagation occurs on a range of scales.

Content and Isotope Ratios of Noble Gases in Congelation Ice of Lake Vostok

Isotope ratios of noble gases (He, Ne, Ar) were studied in samples collected by degassing of cores of water frozen over a glacier of Lake Vostok. The gases were collected into glass retorts during three days of degassing of cores, which have just been extracted from the borehole. Within the error, the isotope 3He/4He ratios of 0.28 ± 0.08 RA (RA = 1.38 × 10–6 is the ratio for air) correspond to those from [1]. The 4He/20Ne and 40Ar/36Ar ratios (12.4 ± 4.6 RA and 1.0074 ± 0.0023 RA, respectively) exceed their contents in air (4He/20NeA = 0.29; 40Ar/36ArA = 298.6) and may indicate some contribution of terrigenous gas to the gaseous balance of the lake, as well as the high content of ancient ground waters in the lake. The 3He/4He ratio of 0.28 RA means low mantle 3He flux typical of continental platforms far from active rift zones.

The evolution of magma during continental rifting: New constraints from the isotopic and trace element signatures of silicic magmas from Ethiopian volcanoes

Magma plays a vital role in the break-up of continental lithosphere. However, significant uncertainty remains about how magma-crust interactions and melt evolution vary during the development of a rift system. Ethiopia captures the transition from continental rifting to incipient sea-floor spreading and has witnessed the eruption of large volumes of silicic volcanic rocks across the region over ∼45 Ma. The petrogenesis of these silicic rocks sheds light on the role of magmatism in rift development, by providing information on crustal interactions, melt fluxes and magmatic differentiation. We report new trace element and Sr–Nd–O isotopic data for volcanic rocks, glasses and minerals along and across active segments of the Main Ethiopian (MER) and Afar Rifts. Most δ18O data for mineral and glass separates from these active rift zones fall within the bounds of modelled fractional crystallization trajectories from basaltic parent magmas (i.e., 5.5–6.5‰) with scant evidence for assimilation of Pan-African Precambrian crustal material (δ18O of 7–18‰). Radiogenic isotopes (εNd=0.92–6.52; 87Sr/86Sr = 0.7037–0.7072) and incompatible trace element ratios (Rb/Nb <1.5) are consistent with δ18O data and emphasize limited interaction with Pan-African crust. However, there are important regional variations in melt evolution revealed by incompatible elements (e.g., Th and Zr) and peralkalinity (molar Na2O+K2O/Al2O3). The most chemically-evolved peralkaline compositions are associated with the MER volcanoes (Aluto, Gedemsa and Kone) and an off-axis volcano of the Afar Rift (Badi). On-axis silicic volcanoes of the Afar Rift (e.g., Dabbahu) generate less-evolved melts. While at Erta Ale, the most mature rift setting, peralkaline magmas are rare. We find that melt evolution is enhanced in less mature continental rifts (where parental magmas are of transitional rather than tholeiitic composition) and regions of low magma flux (due to reduced mantle melt productivity or where crustal structure inhibits magma ascent). This has important implications for understanding the geotectonic settings that promote extreme melt evolution and, potentially, genesis of economically-valuable mineral deposits in ancient rift-settings. The limited isotopic evidence for assimilation of Pan-African crustal material in Ethiopia suggests that the pre-rift crust beneath the magmatic segments has been substantially modified by rift-related magmatism over the past ∼45 Ma; consistent with geophysical observations. We argue that considerable volumes of crystal cumulate are stored beneath silicic volcanic systems (>100 km3), and estimate that crystal cumulates fill at least 16–30% of the volume generated by crustal extension under the axial volcanoes of the MER and Manda Hararo Rift Segment (MHRS) of Afar. At Erta Ale only ∼1% of the volume generated due to rift extension is filled by cumulates, supporting previous seismic evidence for a greater role of plate stretching in mature rifts at the onset of sea-floor spreading. We infer that ∼45 Ma of magmatism has left little fusible Pan-African material to be assimilated beneath the magmatic segments and the active segments are predominantly composed of magmatic cumulates with δ18O indistinguishable from mantle-derived melts. We predict that the δ18O of silicic magmas should converge to mantle values as the rift continues to evolve. Although current data are limited, a comparison with ∼30 Ma ignimbrites (with δ18O up to 8.9‰) supports this inference, evidencing greater crustal assimilation during initial stages of rifting and at times of heightened magmatic flux.

Tectonic insights into the Arabian-African region inferred from a comprehensive examination of satellite gravity big data

Abstract Modern satellite gravimetry is now considered one of the most powerful and effective instrument for regional tectono-geodynamic zonation. Satellite gravity observations clearly fit the definition of 'big data' because of their volume and variety. The Arabian – NE African region discussed in this article has intricate geodynamic features including active rift zones, high seismic activity and collision processes, a rich structural pattern made up of the mosaic block system of continental and oceanic crusts of different ages, as well as several of the greatest gravity anomalies and complex magnetic anomaly mosaics. This region also has the world's main hydrocarbon resources and a vast number of other economic deposits. A comprehensive analysis of these satellite derived gravity data were used to construct a series of new maps that localize the key properties of the lithosphere of the region. A careful examination of numerous geological sources and their combined inspection with satellite derived gravity and other geophysical data resulted in this new integrated tectonic map of the Arabian-African region. An analysis of the series of gravity map transformations and certain geological indicators document the significant geodynamic features of the region.

Along‐Axis Structure and Crustal Construction Processes of Spreading Segments in Iceland: Implications for Magmatic Rifts

AbstractMagmatic rift systems are composed of discrete spreading segments defined by morphologic, structural, and volcanic features that vary systematically along strike. In Iceland, structural features mapped in the glaciated and exhumed Miocene age upper crust correlate with analogous features in the seismically and volcanically active neovolcanic zone. Integrating information from both the active rift zones and ancient crust provides a three‐dimensional perspective of crustal structure and the volcanic and tectonic processes that construct crust along spreading segments. Crustal exposures in the Skagi region of northern Iceland reveal significant along‐strike variations in geologic structure. The upper crust at exhumed magmatic centers (segment centers) is characterized by a variety of intrusive rocks, high‐temperature hydrothermal alteration, and geologic evidence for kilometer‐scale subsidence. In contrast, the upper crust along segment limbs, which extend along strike from magmatic centers, is characterized by thick sections of gently dipping lava flows, cut by varying proportions of subvertical dikes. This structure implies relatively minor upper crustal subsidence and lateral dike intrusion. The differing modes of subsidence beneath segment centers and segment limbs require along‐axis mass redistribution in the underlying upper, middle, and lower crust during crustal construction. This along‐axis material transport is accomplished through lateral dike intrusion in the upper crust and by along‐axis flow of magmatic to high‐temperature solid‐state gabbroic material in the middle and lower crust. These processes, inferred from outcrop evidence in Skagi, are consistent with processes inferred to be important during active rifting in Iceland and at analogous magmatic oceanic and continental rifts.

Crustal structure of the southern Okinawa Trough: Symmetrical rifting, submarine volcano, and potential mantle accretion in the continental back‐arc basin

AbstractBack‐arc basins are a primary target to understand lithospheric evolution in extension associated with plate subduction. Most of the currently active back‐arc basins formed in intraoceanic settings and host well‐developed spreading centers where seafloor spreading has occurred. However, rift structure at its initial stage, a key to understand how the continental lithosphere starts to break in a magma‐rich back‐arc setting, is poorly documented. Here we present seismological evidence for structure of the southern Okinawa Trough, an active rift zone behind the Ryukyu subduction zone. We find that the southern Okinawa Trough exhibits an almost symmetric rift system across the rift axis (Yaeyama Rift) and that the sedimentary layers are highly cut by inward dipping normal faults. The rift structure also accompanies a narrow (2–7 km wide) on‐axis intrusion resulted from passive upwelling of magma. On the other hand, an active submarine volcano is located ~10 km away from the rift axis. The P wave velocity (Vp) model derived from seismic refraction data suggests that the crust has been significantly thinned from the original ~25 km thick arc crust and the thinnest part with 12 km thickness occurs directly beneath the rift axis. The velocity model also reveals that there exists a thick layer with Vp of 6.5–7.2 km/s at lower crustal levels and may indicate that mantle materials accreted at the bottom of the crust during the crustal stretching. The abrupt crustal thinning and the velocity‐depth profile suggest that the southern Okinawa Trough is at a transitional stage from continental rifting to seafloor spreading.