The older volcanic complexes of Sao Miguel, Azores: Nordeste and Povoacao

Duncan Chester, A.M and Guest, J.E. and Wallenstein, N and Chester, David K. (2016) The older volcanic complexes of Sao Miguel, Azores: Nordeste and Povoacao. In: Volcanic Geology of Sao Miguel Island (Azores Archipelago). Memoirs, 44 (44). The Geological Society of London, pp. 147-153.

[thumbnail of Chap11_SaoMig-816_Duncan_MergedFile.pdf]

Preview

Text
Chap11_SaoMig-816_Duncan_MergedFile.pdf - Accepted Version
Download (5MB) | Preview

Abstract

The oldest part of S. Miguel is to the east of Furnas. Previous research argued that these volcanics belong to a construct called the Nordeste Volcano, a heavily eroded shield which not only extends to the east coast of the island but also underlies Furnas Volcano in the west. On the basis of geomorphological mapping, we argue that Nordeste comprises two volcanic systems: an older Nordeste construct (the Nordeste Volcanic System); and the younger Povoação Volcano which straddles the Nordeste shield on its western margin. The Nordeste Volcanic System consists of the Lower Basalts which constitute the overwhelming majority of its subaerial products which are exposed in coastal cliff sections. Above the Lower Basalts is a surficial drape of Ankaramites and the Upper Basalts. There is no evidence of large explosive trachytic eruptions from Nordeste Volcanic System. Povoação Volcano comprises an early shield construct, after which the volcano experienced caldera collapse. Post-caldera deposits are poorly exposed, but include basaltic, mugearitic and trachytic lavas intercalated by cut and fill sequences. Radiometric dating has yet to resolve fully the absolute ages of the Nordeste and Povoação volcanic systems, but morphology indicates that the former is much older than the latter.

Item Type:	Book Section
Faculty / Department:	Faculty of Human and Digital Sciences > School of Computer Science and the Environment
Depositing User:	Mary Rice
Date Deposited:	13 Jan 2016 11:19
Last Modified:	13 Jan 2025 13:58
URI:	https://hira.hope.ac.uk/id/eprint/641

Actions (login required)

View Item

Altmetric