Stress interaction between rift zones and unstable flanks on ocean island volcanoes
Final Report Abstract
It was found that the orientations of dike intrusions at volcano systems are strongly influenced by flank instability. Reversely, the paths of dikes could therefore also be used to infer the position of a décollement responsible for flank motion. This understanding is crucial for assessing the current planes of structural weaknesses and displacements underneath the seaward facing flanks of Kilauea volcano and of Reunion. Therefore, scientifically this project had many successful elements. In addition the feedback between surface structures and gravitational spreading was investigated. Because of the lack of erosion and clarity of high resolution imagery, an ideal test volcano was found on Mars. The results certainly are promising and will be highly valuable for forthcoming studies and publications, and helped our general understanding how volcanotectonics works.
Publications
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(2011) Vertical and lateral collapse of Tharsis Tholus, Mars. Earth and Planetary Science Letters, 305 (3-4), 445-455
Platz T, Münn S, Walter TR, Procter JN, McGuire PC, Dumke A, Neukum G
