Terceira Rift Research Articles

Deep sourced magma and ore-metal mobility in the D. João de Castro submarine volcano (Azores): a mineral chemistry and melt inclusion study

The D. João de Castro is a submarine volcano with known hydrothermal activity located in the Terceira ultra-slow spreading rift within the Azores triple junction (ATJ). Several well-known mafic and ultramafic rock-hosted seafloor hydrothermal systems lay along the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, to the north and to the south of the Azores platform, yet little is known about seafloor hydrothermal activity, ore-metal availability, and magmatic–hydrothermal interactions within the ATJ. Here, we investigate multi-phase melt inclusions hosted in early formed phenocrysts (olivine, clinopyroxene and plagioclase), and metallic precipitates found in groundmass vesicles. Combining detailed petrographic observations with geochemical data and thermobarometry calculations, we assess P–T conditions of early formed phenocrysts, melt pathways towards surface, timing of sulfide saturation and composition of immiscible sulfide melts. Results show that D. João de Castro is characterized by a multi-level magmatic system where primary melt segregated from the upper mantle and moved up through the oceanic crust with little residence time. Sulfide saturation with the formation of immiscible magmatic sulfide liquid (Fe–Ni–Cu) occurred early in primitive magmas with clinopyroxene and olivine crystallization and continued during plagioclase crystallization. At shallower levels, the magmatic degassing of volatiles carrying base metals (Cu–Zn–Pb–Co) and Ba have contributed to the element budget of the D. João de Castro hydrothermal system. The study of multi-phase melt inclusions and vesicles at D. João de Castro submarine volcano contributes to the understanding of source to surface magmatic processes at the Terceira Rift and underline the importance of magmatic degassing into seafloor hydrothermal systems.

Iron isotope evidence in ocean island basalts for plume- and plate-controlled melting, São Miguel, Azores

Primitive ocean island basalts (OIB) display a large variability in stable iron (Fe) isotopes, beyond what can plausibly be explained by partial melting and crystal fractionation processes. This Fe isotopic heterogeneity is widely ascribed to inheritance from various exotic mantle components of enriched crustal origin, i.e., subducted and resurfacing oceanic or continental crust, its underlying lithosphere or overlying sediments. These enriched mantle components are characterised by variations in radiogenic Sr-Nd-Pb-Hf isotopes. The extent to which the inherited Fe isotopic signature of subducted and recycled material influences the Fe isotopic composition of OIB and which role secondary processes accompanied with partial melting play is, however, not well understood. The eastern Azores island of São Miguel displays a systematic change from a mantle source less radiogenic in Sr-Nd-Hf-Pb isotopes in the West to a highly enriched source in the East. These variations are among the largest reported in an OIB, indicating variable source component additions to the melt that offer a natural laboratory to elucidate sub-oceanic island processes. Among these, the eastern São Miguel component is unique amongst global OIB in that it has both, extremely radiogenic 206Pb/204Pb and 87Sr/86Sr isotopic ratios. The spatial distribution, complexity and uniqueness of these isotopic source characteristics are ideally suited to gain insights into the spatial distribution of mantle components and their potential controls on Fe isotope systematics. Comparing δ57Feprim, which is the isotopic composition calculated to primitive lavas along a liquid line of descent, with 87Sr/86Sr, 143Nd/144Nd, 206Pb/204Pb and 208Pb/204Pb reveals that the depleted component of western São Miguel shows a heavy Fe isotopic composition ranging from δ57Feprim = +0.09 to +0.18‰ (excluding one outlier at −0.02‰ δ57Feprim), whereas the enriched component of eastern São Miguel shows lighter δ57Feprim = +0.05 to +0.12‰. Both suites show a continuum of isotopic compositions between two apparent endmembers. The light Fe isotopic signature of eastern São Miguel lavas, coupled with elevated Rb/Sr and K2O, indicate K-rich mantle metasomatism in their source. The Fe isotopic composition of western São Miguel’s lavas are likely related to a similar source, but have been overprinted by the active Terceira Rift. The latter adds low-degree mid-ocean ridge basalt (MORB)-type melts to the original OIB, likely in the form of a re-fertilised depleted mantle component that underpins the ultraslow spreading region. The two-component mix that contributes to western São Miguel lavas highlights that both enriched mantle components and shallow crustal features can add to the Fe isotopic signatures of erupting OIB, with spatial separation within single volcanic islands. This suggests that a careful evaluation of local geologic features, such as rifting, is required when OIB are probed for their mantle sources, and that heavy Fe isotopic signatures in OIB may not reflect deep, plume-source lithologies. In summary, São Miguel lavas are sourced by a mantle plume, but within a spatially controlled region accompanied by a plate-controlled melt associated with a rifting zone. This dichotomy adds another complication to the genesis of OIB, which however maybe elucidated through combined radiogenic-stable isotope systematics.

The Evolution of Central Volcanoes in Ultraslow Rift Systems: Constraints From D. João de Castro Seamount, Azores

AbstractThe Dom João de Castro seamount in the Hirondelle Basin (Azores) is a central volcano on the ultraslow diverging Terceira Rift axis. The combination of structural and geochemical data provides insights into the evolution of central volcanoes in oceanic rift systems above the Azores melting anomaly. The orientation of fault scarps and volcanic structures at D. João de Castro and the adjacent Castro fissure zone indicate that the regional SW‐NE extending stress field dominates the morphology of the NW Hirondelle Basin. The regional tectonic stress field controls the crustal melt pathways and leads to dike emplacement along fissure zones and the prevalent eruption of mafic lavas. The occurrence of mafic to felsic lavas at D. João de Castro gives evidence for both a deep and a shallow crustal melt reservoir generating a subordinate local stress field at the seamount. New Sr‐Nd‐Pb isotope data along with incompatible trace element ratios indicate that D. João de Castro and the Castro Ridges originated from similarly heterogeneous mantle source but did not form simultaneously. Our new model implies that central volcanoes along the Terceira Rift form by the growth of volcanic ridges and transitioned into circular edifices after magmatic systems generate local changes in the regional lithospheric stress field. The geometry of D. João de Castro and other magmatic systems along the Terceira Rift combined with the alkaline nature of the erupted lavas, and the large lithosphere thickness indicates that young oceanic rifts are more similar to continental rifts rather than mid‐ocean ridges.

Monitoring the Earth: the Near-Future Developments in Seismology

One condition to perform seismic hazard analysis is knowledge about seismogenic zones that is an invaluable source of information and play an important role because it is fundamental know the processes and properties that control the seismogenic zone. The aim of this work is distinguishing seismogenic zones in the Azores region applying different parameters such as the earthquake density, b-values, focal mechanism, historical seismicity and all of these conjugated within the geodynamic framework of the Azores. We identified 10 seismogenic zones plus the well known Mid Atlantic Ridge. The 10 zones we identified are over the major tectonic structures of the Archipelago, namely Terceira Rift and Linear Volcanic Ridges.

Rifting of the oceanic Azores Plateau with episodic volcanic activity

Extension of the Azores Plateau along the Terceira Rift exposes a lava sequence on the steep northern flank of the Hirondelle Basin. Unlike typical tholeiitic basalts of oceanic plateaus, the 1.2 km vertical submarine stratigraphic profile reveals two successive compositionally distinct basanitic to alkali basaltic eruptive units. The lower unit is volumetrically more extensive with ~ 1060 m of the crustal profile forming between ~ 2.02 and ~ 1.66 Ma, followed by a second unit erupting the uppermost ~ 30 m of lavas in ~ 100 kyrs. The age of ~ 1.56 Ma of the youngest in-situ sample at the top of the profile implies that the 35 km-wide Hirondelle Basin opened after this time along normal faults. This rifting phase was followed by alkaline volcanism at D. João de Castro seamount in the basin center indicating episodic volcanic activity along the Terceira Rift. The mantle source compositions of the two lava units change towards less radiogenic Nd, Hf, and Pb isotope ratios. A change to less SiO2-undersaturated magmas may indicate increasing degrees of partial melting beneath D. João de Castro seamount, possibly caused by lithospheric thinning within the past 1.5 million years. Our results suggest that rifting of oceanic lithosphere alternates between magmatically and tectonically dominated phases.

The evolution of Santa Maria Island in the context of the Azores Triple Junction

Santa Maria is the oldest island in the Azores, formerly belonging to the Eurasia plate and currently the only one sitting on the Nubia Plate, thus sharing a geodynamic evolution with the Azores Triple Junction. It is therefore important to evaluate the effects of active tectonics on the evolution of Santa Maria, for example on its vertical movements. We present new stratigraphic, geomorphologic, structural and geochronological data from Santa Maria which shed further light on how a volcanic ocean island evolves in a tectonically active setting. Santa Maria island started with a first shield volcano (Old Volcanic Complex) that emerged ca. 6.0 Ma ago and was active until ca. 5.3 Ma. The short time span between the first and second shield volcanoes (ca. 0.3 Ma) and the preservation of only the western flank of this first shield volcano indicate an initial flank collapse at ca. 5 Ma. The collapse scar was covered by an eastwards dipping sedimentary complex (Intermediate Sedimentary Complex), with a likely tsunami deposit at the base. A second shield volcano (Young Volcanic Complex) rapidly grew on these sediments from 4.8 to 3.8 Ma, and the island subsided by more than 100 m. At 3.7 Ma, a second flank collapse occurred, as inferred from the missing summit and eastern flank. Volcanism then resumed (3.6 to 2.8 Ma), giving rise to Strombolian cones lying unconformably on the collapse scar and conformable parasitic cones on the unaffected flank. Submarine lavas occurring at up to 200 m altitude with a youngest age of 3.0 Ma indicate major uplift of the island since, at most, that time. Here we interpret uplift as the result of rift flank uplift on the southern shoulder of the nearby Terceira Rift in the last ca. 1.5 Ma.

Origin of High Mg and SO4 Fluids in Sediments of the Terceira Rift, Azores‐Indications for Caminite Dissolution in a Waning Hydrothermal System

AbstractDuring R/V Meteor cruise 141/1, pore fluids of near surface sediments were investigated to find indications for hydrothermal activity in the Terceira Rift (TR), a hyperslow spreading center in the Central North Atlantic Ocean. To date, submarine hydrothermal fluid venting in the TR has only been reported for the D. João de Castro seamount, which presently seems to be inactive. Pore fluids sampled close to a volcanic cone at 2,800‐m water depth show an anomalous composition with Mg, SO4, and total alkalinity concentrations significantly higher than seawater and a nearby reference core. The most straightforward way of interpreting these deviations is the dissolution of the hydrothermally formed mineral caminite (MgSO4 0.25 Mg (OH)2 0.2H2O). This interpretation is corroborated by a thorough investigation of fluid isotope systems (δ26Mg, δ30Si, δ34S, δ44/42Ca, and 87Sr/86Sr). Caminite is known from mineral assemblages with anhydrite and forms in hydrothermal recharge zones only under specific conditions such as high fluid temperatures and in altered oceanic crust, which are conditions generally met at the TR. We hypothesize that caminite was formed during hydrothermal activity and is now dissolving during the waning state of the hydrothermal system, so that caminite mineralization is shifted out of its stability zone. Ongoing fluid circulation through the basement is transporting the geochemical signal via slow advection toward the seafloor.

Evolution of a volcanic island on the shoulder of an oceanic rift and geodynamic implications: S. Jorge Island on the Terceira Rift, Azores Triple Junction

The S. Jorge Island in the Azores lies on a peculiar setting, the southern shoulder of the Terceira Rift (TR), which raises a series of questions that we address in this study. We first established the main volcanic stratigraphy by recognizing, in the field, the main unconformities/discontinuities and their meaning (major erosion surfaces and faults), then we collected critical samples, and finally dated them by K/Ar to calibrate the stratigraphy and the age of inferred large-scale flank collapses. Based on field, geochronological and marine geophysical data: (1) we found much older rocks in S. Jorge than in previous studies (ca. 1.85 Ma), and established a new volcanic stratigraphy (from bottom to top): Old Volcanic Complex (ca. 1.9–1.2 Ma), cropping out in the eastern third of the island; Intermediate Volcanic Complex (ca. 0.8–0.2 Ma), cropping out in the western two thirds of the island and separated from the underlying complex by a major fault; Young Volcanic Complex (<ca. 0.1 Ma), unconformable on both older units. (2) We discuss the most probable mode of destruction of the successive volcanic complexes, and we conclude that a major landslide occurred between ca. 1.2 and 0.8 Ma, which was responsible for the major lateral discontinuity between the Old and the Intermediate Volcanic complexes. (3) We use previous palaeomagnetic data and new seismic data to evaluate the effects of uplift of the TR's southern shoulder on S. Jorge Island, and conclude that south-westward tilting of the oldest lava flows occurred between ca. 1.2 and 0.8 Ma due to rotation of the TR's southern shoulder during uplift. (4) Finally, we used all data to constrain the age of TR initiation to be ca. 1 Ma in this sector of the TR.

Rift–plume interaction reveals multiple generations of recycled oceanic crust in Azores lavas

We present 176Hf/177Hf isotope ratios on 41 previously well-characterized subaerial and submarine samples from the Azores islands of São Miguel, Terceira, Graciosa, Faial, Pico and the João de Castro seamount (on the Terceira Rift). In εNd–εHf isotope space all Azores lavas fall below the mantle array reference line and do not overlap the proximal Atlantic MORB. Lavas from São Miguel and João de Castro form two distinct and well defined arrays extending below the mantle array, which has not been previously documented in other oceanic magmatic provinces. The Nd-Hf isotope compositions of João de Castro overlap those of HIMU type lavas, yet they lack the characteristically radiogenic Pb isotope ratios of HIMU. The combined Nd-Hf-Pb-Sr isotope systematics of both São Miguel and João de Castro endmembers can be explained by recycling of a single package of heterogeneous oceanic crust ranging from D-MORB to E-MORB in composition, with an age between 2.5 and 3.0Ga, with no requirement for parent-daughter ratio modification during subduction. In contrast the Nd-Hf-Pb isotope systematics of lavas from São Jorge, Terceira, Graciosa, Pico and Faial are consistent with the presence of younger (<700Ma) recycled crust that underwent low-temperature alteration and dehydration during subduction. There is no evidence in the erupted lavas for direct mixing between these two generations of recycled material within the plume. These data suggest that old recycling age and absence of sediments along with recycled oceanic crust are both required to develop isotopic compositions below the mantle array in εNd–εHf space. Our modeling shows that the compositional variability of erupted MORB is large enough that, given enough time, they can generate a wide range of isotope compositions such as observed in OIB. Lastly, lava compositions along the Terceira rift can be explained by a westward asthenospheric flux along a tilted lithosphere/asthenosphere boundary, where fertile components are exhausted by partial melting after ∼70km of transport along the Terceira Rift. While this observation is broadly consistent with the plume source–ridge sink model, it also suggests that the lithosphere/asthenosphere boundary geometry can smear the view of the plume heterogeneity.

3D magnetotelluric exploration of Sete Cidades Volcano, São Miguel Island, Azores

Geothermal energy accounts for 43% of the electricity expenditure of São Miguel Island, Azores Archipelago. All production comes from the Ribeira Grande (RG) high-enthalpy geothermal field. To meet the growing energy demand in the island, it is necessary to extend the exploration efforts to new areas. We evaluated the results of a broadband magnetotelluric reconnaissance survey conducted at Sete Cidades Volcano, placed only 30 km westward of the RG field. The resistivity structure of the Sete Cidades geothermal system was obtained through a simultaneous 3D inversion of the full impedance tensor and tipper. The bathymetry and the topography of the island were treated as fixed features in the model. The geothermal reservoir at Sete Cidades is outlined as a northwest–southeast elongated resistive anomaly, geologically controlled by the Terceira Rift fracture zone. We have also identified high-conductivity zones between 1000 and 4000 m below mean sea level, probably associated with clay cap rocks overlying the geothermal reservoir.

Preliminary Geochemical and Isotopic Results in Thermal and Cold Waters of Graciosa Volcanic Island (Azores)

Graciosa Island is located in the Azores Archipelago, along the so-called Terceira Rift, NE boundary of the Azores Plateau. From the hydrochemical point of view, two types of Na-Cl groundwater systems were identified: a cold aquifer system emerging at springs and exploited through boreholes for public water supply with different degrees of mineralization, and a hydrothermal system with issuing temperatures around 45°C. Geothermometers applied to the thermal waters point to deep temperature around 167°C and to immature waters, not reaching complete equilibrium with the reservoir rock. The isotopic composition and geochemistry of the thermal waters indicate mixture groundwater - seawater in different percentages and ion-exchange mechanisms that will be able to: i) increase groundwater salinity, ii) strongly change the isotopic composition to more enriched values, with different degrees of mixing.

Imaging active faulting in a region of distributed deformation from the joint clustering of focal mechanisms and hypocentres: Application to the Azores–western Mediterranean region

The matching between linear trends of hypocentres and fault planes indicated by focal mechanisms (FMs) is frequently used to infer the location and geometry of active faults. This practice works well in regions of fast lithospheric deformation, where earthquake patterns are clear and major structures accommodate the bulk of deformation, but typically fails in regions of slow and distributed deformation. We present a new joint FM and hypocentre cluster algorithm that is able to detect systematically the consistency between hypocentre lineations and FMs, even in regions of distributed deformation. We apply the method to the Azores–western Mediterranean region, with particular emphasis on western Iberia. The analysis relies on a compilation of hypocentres and FMs taken from regional and global earthquake catalogues, academic theses and technical reports, complemented by new FMs for western Iberia. The joint clustering algorithm images both well-known and new seismo-tectonic features. The Azores triple junction is characterised by FMs with vertical pressure (P) axes, in good agreement with the divergent setting, and the Iberian domain is characterised by NW–SE oriented P axes, indicating a response of the lithosphere to the ongoing oblique convergence between Nubia and Eurasia. Several earthquakes remain unclustered in the western Mediterranean domain, which may indicate a response to local stresses. The major regions of consistent faulting that we identify are the mid-Atlantic ridge, the Terceira rift, the Trans-Alboran shear zone and the north coast of Algeria. In addition, other smaller earthquake clusters present a good match between epicentre lineations and FM fault planes. These clusters may signal single active faults or wide zones of distributed but consistent faulting. Mainland Portugal is dominated by strike–slip earthquakes with fault planes coincident with the predominant NNE–SSW and WNW–ESE oriented earthquake lineations. Clusters offshore SW Iberia are predominantly strike–slip or reverse, confirming previous suggestions of slip partitioning.

Submarine sedimentation processes in the southeastern Terceira Rift/São Miguel region (Azores)

Most case studies dealing with the evolution of volcanic islands concentrate on the onshore domain. In contrast, the interplay of constructional and destructive processes in the offshore domain is often paid less attention, although they commonly represent most part of the edifice. Combining bathymetric and multi-channel seismic data, this study focuses on the impact of volcanism, erosion, tectonics, time-variant sediment supply and climatic/oceanographic conditions on the submarine sedimentation processes in the southeastern Terceira Rift (Azores Plateau). Where the major onshore volcanic systems at São Miguel Island (the largest volcanic edifice in the southeastern Terceira Rift) evolved between the last and the previous glacio-eustatic sea level minimum, an average depth value of 142m of the corresponding shelf segments indicates a formation during the Last Glacial Maximum and a long-term subsidence of approximately 0.6mm/a. Below the shelf edge, the western flank is characterized by submarine volcanism, while the northern slope is mostly affected by strong turbidity events favored by the north coast's exposure to North-Atlantic storm swell. These turbidity currents pass the shelf break by retrogressive canyons/gullies and follow a widespread system of channels towards the deep sea. Where gullies are not connected to channel systems or where turbidity currents overspill the channel walls, stacked lobe deposits are formed. At the southern slope, a more constant downslope sediment transport leads to the formation of cyclic steps, chutes-and-pools and, further distal, turbidity lobes. Turbidity currents follow morphological features and enter the basins via structural bottlenecks. In the basins, bottom currents are controlled/deviated by volcanic highs or fault scarps, where they cause the deposition of drift bodies. High local accumulations of sediments caused by a channelized sediment flux, bottom currents or onshore volcanism were partly remobilized resulting in slumping/sliding and a volcanic ridge partly collapsed due to tectonic stress and/or gravity spreading.

Deformation in a hyperslow oceanic rift: Insights from the tectonics of the São Miguel Island (Terceira Rift, Azores)

The evolution of hyperslow oceanic rifts, like the Terceira Rift (TR) in the Azores, is still poorly understood. Here we examine the distribution of strain and magmatism in the portion of the TR making up the Nubia-Eurasia plate boundary. We use Sao Miguel Island because it stretches most of the TR width, which allows to investigate the TR's architecture and shedding light on TR's age and mode of deformation. From topography and structural analysis, and new measurements of 380 faults and dikes, we show that (1) Sao Miguel has two main structural directions, N150 and N110, mostly concentrated in the eastern part of the island as an onshore continuation of the faults observed offshore in the NE (N110 faults) and SW (N140) TR walls; (2) a new N50-N80 fault system is identified in Sao Miguel; (3) fault and dike geometries indicate that eastern Sao Miguel comprises the TR's northern boundary, and the lack of major faults in central and western Sao Miguel indicates that rifting is mostly concentrated at master faults bounding the TR. Based on TR's geometry, structural observations and plate kinematics, we estimate that the TR initiated between 1.4 and 2.7 Ma ago and that there is no appreciable seafloor spreading associated with rifting. Based on plate kinematics, on the new structural data, and on Sao Miguel's structural and volcanic trends, we propose that the eastern two thirds of Sao Miguel lie along a main TR-related transform fault striking N70-N80, which connects two widely separated N130-N150 TR-trending segments.

Chapter 2 The structure of the Azores Triple Junction: implications for São Miguel Island

Abstract To date, a lack of reliable morphological and geophysical data has been a major limitation to understanding the tectonic and magmatic processes that shape the Azores Triple Junction and the Terceira Rift. This situation has changed recently: for the first time both areas are covered by high-quality swath bathymetry surveys and marine magnetic data with GPS quality positioning. This provides a good description of the surface morphology, and also of magnetic chrons that give fundamental information for the timing of spreading processes in a geological time frame. There is also a large amount of data from GPS stations that provide accurate estimations of present-day velocities for most of the islands. It is shown that only two main rift systems can be found on the plateau, the older one matching the Princess Alice Basin, and the newer one matching Terceira Rift; the shift between the two probably occurs close to c. 3 Ma. It is shown that extension is currently concentrated on the Terceira Rift, progressively attaching Graciosa and Terceira islands to Eurasia, while São Miguel is being strained by rifting. It is also shown that no right lateral strike-slip fault connects the Terceira Rift to the Mid-Atlantic Ridge.

Reply to the comment by Quartau et al. on “Construction and destruction of a volcanic island developed inside an oceanic rift: Graciosa Island, Terceira Rift, Azores”, J. Volcanol. Geotherm. Res. 284, 32–45, by Sibrant et al. (2014)

In Sibrant et al. (2014), we reconstructed the evolution of Graciosa Island (Azores). We extensively discussed the nature and the meaning of the destruction episodes, either tectonics or gravitational, and concluded that the island has evolved through major landslides. In their comment, Quartau et al. (2015) conclude that (1) “Sibrant et al. (2014) is based almost solely on subaerial observations,” which is false because we used the bathymetric data available to us (Figs. 3 and 4 in Sibrant et al., 2014). (2) “…the published multibeam sonar data around Graciosa reveals that their proposed successive phases of destruction of the volcanic edifices composing the island by massive landslides is incompatible with the high-resolution bathymetry.” First, saying that the data were published is misleading because only two images are now provided in Quartau et al. (2015). Most of the high-resolution data used by Quartau et al. (2015) are not published, and they still do not release the data for us to analyse and use in this reply. Second, the high-resolution bathymetric maps are not incompatible with our model. For instance, mounds on the eastern submarine slope may actually be landslide blocks, and the platform developed to the S may correspond to flank collapses of the successive volcanoes, blanketed more recently by the young basaltic cover. (3) “The interpretation of collapse structures appears to have originated partly from a misreading of the volcano-stratigraphy and tectonic structures”. We certainly did not “misread” the volcanic stratigraphy and tectonic structures in Graciosa; in great contrast to Quartau et al. (2015), we (a) used major unconformities to establish the volcano-stratigraphy, (b) calibrated this stratigraphy with high precision K–Ar dating, (c) made careful measurement of lava flow attitudes to infer the pre-collapse position of the main edifices, and (d) did not use hypothetical tectonic faults, as Quartau et al. (2015) did, to draw an evolutionary cartoon of Graciosa. The lava flows in the southern cliffs of Graciosa dip inland, as recognised by Gaspar (1996, Fig. 3B), in great contrast to the claims of Quartau et al. (2015), and therefore do not support successive volcanoes coinciding with the centre of the island. (4) From unreleased high-resolution bathymetric data, Quartau et al. (2015) consider that no large landslide(s) occurred in Graciosa, and propose a “new model.” First, their geological model is not new, as it reproduces a cartoon in Gaspar (1996, Fig. 3A). Second, Quartau et al. (2015) have not reported any major faults exposed at the surface, as expected for an island-scale graben, but their summary cartoon of Graciosa evolution is based on major faults. Third, the new model of Quartau et al. (their Fig. 8, and our Fig. 4) misrepresents the initial model of Gaspar (1996, Figs. 4.1 and 4.2), as the whole SW flank of the island has been arbitrarily removed on their drawing (see our Fig. 3). In contrast, Sibrant et al. (2014) propose that the SW flank has been effectively removed, but by landslides. Therefore, their new model for the evolution of Graciosa is based on misleading hypotheses rather than convincing arguments. In conclusion, there is no need to change our proposed new stratigraphy and evolution of the island based on Quartau et al.'s claims because these are not supported by actual geological data—well established and calibrated stratigraphy, geometry of lava flows, and geometry and kinematics of faults. Given the absence of sound geological data to support the evolutionary cartoon proposed by Quartau et al. (2015), we conclude that it is mostly flawed and therefore mere speculation.

Submarine explosive volcanism in the southeastern Terceira Rift/São Miguel region (Azores)

Morphologic studies with sonar data and in situ observations of modern eruptions have revealed some information suggesting how submarine volcanic cones develop, but the information only addresses the modern surfaces of these features. Here, we describe a study combining morphological data with high-resolution seismic reflection data collected over cones within the southeastern Terceira Rift — a succession of deep basins, volcanic bathymetric highs and islands (e.g. São Miguel) representing the westernmost part of the Eurasian–Nubian plate boundary.The cones (252) are distributed in depths down to 3200m and exhibit an average diameter of 743m, an average slope of 20° and heights mainly between 50 and 200m. The cones are here classified into three different categories by physiographic or tectonic setting (we find no particular morphometric differences in cone shapes between these areas). First, numerous cones located at the submarine flanks of São Miguel's Sete Cidades and Fogo Volcano are considered to be parasitic structures. Second, in the southeast of the island, they form a superstructure possibly reflecting an early submarine stadium of a posterior subaerial stratovolcano. Third, some cones are controlled by faults, mostly in a graben system southwest of the island. High-resolution multichannel seismic data indicates that the graben cones evolved synchronously with the graben formation. Bottom currents then probably removed the surficial fine grain-size fraction, leaving rough surface textures of the cones, which backscatter sonar signals strongly in the data recorded here. However, a young cone investigated in detail is characterized by a smooth surface, a marked increase of internal stratification with increasing distance from the summit and upwards concave flanks. Others exhibit central craters, suggesting an explosive than an effusive evolution of these structures. The morphological characteristics of these submarine cones show that they have similar sizes and shapes to cinder cones onshore São Miguel.

Comment on “Construction and destruction of a volcanic island developed inside an oceanic rift: Graciosa Island, Terceira Rift, Azores” by Sibrant et al. (2014) and proposal of a new model for Graciosa's geological evolution

Volcanoes rising above sea level within extensional oceanic plate boundaries provide accessible locations with which to study the effects of plate tectonic and volcanic processes of such areas. However, relying solely on subaerial observations can lead to biased interpretations. Reconciling the information provided by multibeam echo sounders on the submarine parts of volcanic islands with geology and geomorphology observable above sea level can potentially provide more robust interpretations. In this comment of the study of Sibrant et al. (2014), which is based almost solely on subaerial observations, we show how the published multibeam sonar data around Graciosa reveals that their proposed successive phases of destruction of the volcanic edifices composing the island by massive landslides is incompatible with the high-resolution bathymetry. The data reveal no large-scale debris avalanche deposits or characteristic flank collapse scars where Sibrant et al. (2014) propose these landslides to have occurred. Instead, the data show volcanic constructional areas, some of which have simply been eroded by wave abrasion. The interpretation of collapse structures appears to have originated partly from a misreading of the volcano-stratigraphy and tectonic structures. Overall, wave erosion coupled with subaerial erosion and tectonic activity can more easily explain the onshore observations of Sibrant et al. (2014), providing a less catastrophic explanation for the evolution of Graciosa Island.

The tectonic evolution of the southeastern Terceira Rift/São Miguel region (Azores)

The eastern Azores Archipelago with São Miguel being the dominant subaerial structure is located at the intersection of an oceanic rift (Terceira Rift) with a major transform fault (Gloria Fault) representing the westernmost part of the Nubian–Eurasian plate boundary. The evolution of islands, bathymetric highs and basin margins involves strong volcanism, but the controlling geodynamic and tectonic processes are currently under debate. In order to study this evolution, multibeam bathymetry and marine seismic reflection data were collected to image faults and stratigraphy. The basins of the southeastern Terceira Rift are rift valleys whose southwestern and northeastern margins are defined by few major normal faults and several minor normal faults, respectively. Since São Miguel in between the rift valleys shows an unusual W–E orientation, it is supposed to be located on a leaky transform. South of the island and separated by a N120° trending graben system, the Monacco Bank represents a N160° oriented flat topped volcanic ridge dominated by tilted fault blocks. Up to six seismic units are interpreted for each basin. Although volcanic ridges hamper a direct linking of depositional strata between the rift and adjacent basins, the individual seismic stratigraphic units have distinct characteristics. Using these units to provide a consistent relative chrono-stratigraphic scheme for the entire study area, we suggest that the evolution of the southeastern Terceira Rift occurred in two stages. Considering age constrains from previous studies, we conclude that N140° structures developed orthogonal to the SW–NE direction of plate-tectonic extension before ~10Ma. The N160° trending volcanic ridges and faults developed later as the plate tectonic spreading direction changed to WSW–ENE. Hence, the evolution of the southeastern Terceira Rift domain is predominantly controlled by plate kinematics and lithospheric stress forming a kind of a re-organized rift system.

Morpho-structural evolution of a volcanic island developed inside an active oceanic rift: S. Miguel Island (Terceira Rift, Azores)

The evolution of volcanic islands is generally marked by fast construction phases alternating with destruction by a variety of mass-wasting processes. More specifically, volcanic islands located in areas of intense regional deformation can be particularly prone to gravitational destabilisation. The island of S. Miguel (Azores) has developed during the last 1Myr inside the active Terceira Rift, a major tectonic structure materializing the present boundary between the Eurasian and Nubian lithospheric plates. In this work, we depict the evolution of the island, based on high-resolution DEM data, stratigraphic and structural analyses, high-precision K–Ar dating on separated mineral phases, and offshore data (bathymetry and seismic profiles). The new results indicate that: (1) the oldest volcanic complex (Nordeste), composing the easternmost part of the island, was dominantly active between ca. 850 and 750ka, and was subsequently affected by a major south-directed flank collapse. (2) Between at least 500ka and 250ka, the landslide depression was massively filled by a thick lava succession erupted from volcanic cones and domes distributed along the main E-W collapse scar. (3) Since 250kyr, the western part of this succession (Furnas area) was affected by multiple vertical collapses; associated plinian eruptions produced large pyroclastic deposits, here dated at ca. 60ka and less than 25ka. (4) During the same period, the eastern part of the landslide scar was enlarged by retrogressive erosion, producing the large Povoação valley, which was gradually filled by sediments and young volcanic products. (5) The Fogo volcano, in the middle of S. Miguel, is here dated between ca. 270 and 17ka, and was affected by, at least, one southwards flank collapse. (6) The Sete Cidades volcano, in the western end of the island, is here dated between ca. 91 and 13ka, and experienced mutliple caldera collapses; a landslide to the North is also suspected from the presence of a subtle morphologic scar covered by recent lava flows erupted from alignments of basaltic strombolian cones. The predominance of the N150° and N75° trends in the island suggest that the tectonics of the Terceira Rift controlled the location and the distribution of the volcanism, and to some extent the various destruction events.