J. Ruch

Oblique rift opening revealed by reoccurring magma injection in central Iceland

Extension deficit builds up over centuries at divergent plate boundaries and is recurrently removed during rifting events, accompanied by magma intrusions and transient metre-scale deformation. However, information on transient near-field deformation has rarely been captured, hindering progress in understanding rifting mechanisms and evolution. Here we show new evidence of oblique rift opening during a rifting event influenced by pre-existing fractures and two centuries of extension deficit accumulation. This event originated from the Bárðarbunga caldera and led to the largest basaltic eruption in Iceland in >200 years. The results show that the opening was initially accompanied by left-lateral shear that ceased with increasing opening. Our results imply that pre-existing fractures play a key role in controlling oblique rift opening at divergent plate boundaries.

Kinematic analysis of vertical collapse on volcanoes using experimental models time series

[1]xa0Volcanoes are often associated with vertical collapse, due to deeper magma withdrawal. Calderas are the most notable type of vertical collapse, on the summit of volcanoes. Caldera collapse has been observed and monitored only at Miyakejima (Japan; 2000), Dolomieu (Reunion; 2007) and Fernandina (Galapagos; 1968), highlighting our limited knowledge on its kinematic behavior. Here we use experimental models to investigate the kinematic evolution of calderas and vertical collapses in general. We extract velocity and strain fields using the Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV) technique, generating time series. Experimental vertical collapses undergoing constant subsidence velocity show three main kinematic behaviors: (1) continuous collapse, whose velocity is similar to the source subsidence velocity; (2) incremental collapse, with episodic (stepwise) accelerations along pre-existing ring structures; (3) sudden collapse, resulting from the upward migration of a cavity, only for T/Dxa0>xa02 (T and D are the depth and width of the magma chamber, respectively) and without ring structures. The velocity in the collapsing column may increase up to four orders of magnitude with regard to the constant subsidence velocity of the source. Comparison to nature suggests that: (1) there are close kinematic similarities with monitored collapse calderas, explaining their incremental subsidence after the development of ring structures; (2) sudden pit crater formation is induced by the upward propagation of cavities, due to magma removal at depth and in absence of ring structures; (3) all these types of vertical collapses have a consistent mechanism of formation and kinematic behavior, function of T/D and the presence/absence of ring structures.

Birth of two volcanic islands in the southern Red Sea

Submarine eruptions that lead to the formation of new volcanic islands are rare and far from being fully understood; only a few such eruptions have been witnessed since Surtsey Island emerged to the south of Iceland in the 1960s. Here we report on two new volcanic islands that were formed in the Zubair archipelago of the southern Red Sea in 2011–2013. Using high-resolution optical satellite images, we find that the new islands grew rapidly during their initial eruptive phases and that coastal erosion significantly modified their shapes within months. Satellite radar data indicate that two north–south-oriented dykes, much longer than the small islands might suggest, fed the eruptions. These events occurred contemporaneously with several local earthquake swarms of the type that typically accompany magma intrusions. Earthquake activity has been affecting the southern Red Sea for decades, suggesting the presence of a magmatically active zone that has previously escaped notice.

Relationships between tectonics and magmatism in a transtensive/transform setting: An example from Faial Island (Azores, Portugal)

The relationships between tectonics and hotspot-related magmatism in transform/transtensive settings are poorly known. The Azores archipelago, lying where the transform plate boundary between the Nubian and Eurasian plates meets the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, is a rare site to investigate these relationships. The distinct tectono-magmatic features of Faial make it the ideal island to focus the study. Here, we analyze the relationships between tectonics and magmatism, using remote-sensing, field, and paleomagnetic analyses. Dominant WNW-ESE–trending lineaments correspond to major faults with transtensive dextral motion and NE-SW opening, probably related to the nearby transtensive Terceira Rift. Most (∼60%) dikes, vent elongations, and alignments are parallel to this system. The lavas forming the basement of the distinctive WNW-ESE–trending Pedro Miguel graben strike parallel to the graben axis, dipping outward with a tilt consistent with that of paleomagnetic data. These lavas are dissected by the WNW-ESE–trending transtensive faults. Therefore, the graben consists of outward-tilted fault-bounded blocks, forming two opposite-verging dominoes. Its estimated stretching factor (β = 1.35) and mean extension rate (between 3.4 and 8.2 mm/yr) are similar or slightly larger than those of Terceira Rift, to the east. Part of the graben extension may be magma induced, via diking. We suggest that: (1) Faial, along with the nearby Pico Island, is a major locus of extension within the Azores, directly above the imaged hotspot; and (2) the Faial-Pico magmatic segment constitutes the offset, westward magmatic continuation of the Terceira Rift. The segment opening highlights the importance of extensional strain along magmatic transtensive plate boundaries.

Experiments of dike-induced deformation: Insights on the long-term evolution of divergent plate boundaries

The shallow transport of magma occurs through dikes causing surface deformation. Our understanding of the effects of diking at the surface is limited, especially on the long term, for repeated intrusive episodes. We use analogue models to study the upper crustal deformation induced by dikes. We insert metal plates within cohesive sand with three setups: in setup A, the intrusion rises upward with constant thickness and in setups B and C, the intrusion thickens at a fixed depth, with final rectangular (setup B) or triangular (setup C) shape in section. Setup A creates a doming delimited by reverse faults, with secondary apical graben, without close correspondence in nature. In setups B and C, a depression flanked by two uplifted areas is bordered by inward dipping normal faults propagating downward and, for deeper intrusions in setup B, also by inner faults, reverse at the surface; this deformation is similar to what is observed in nature, suggesting a consistent physical behavior. Dikes in nature initially propagate developing a mode I fracture at the tip, subsequently thickened by magma intrusion, without any host rock translation in the propagation direction (as in setup A). The deformation pattern in setups B and C depends on the intrusion depth and thickness, consistently to what is observed along divergent plate boundaries. The early deformation in setups B and C is similar to that from a single rifting episode (i.e., Lakagigar, Iceland, and Dabbahu, Afar), whereas the late stages resemble the structure of mature rifts (i.e., Krafla, Iceland), confirming diking as a major process in shaping divergent plate boundaries.

Dike‐induced contraction along oceanic and continental divergent plate boundaries

The axis of divergent plate boundaries shows extension fractures and normal faults at the surface. Here we present evidence of contraction along the axis of the oceanic ridge of Iceland and the continental Main Ethiopian Rift. Contraction is found at the base of the tilted hanging wall of dilational normal faults, balancing part of their extension. Our experiments suggest that these structures result from dike emplacement. Multiple dike injection induces subsidence above and uplift to the sides of the dikes; the transition in between is accommodated by reverse faults and subsequent peripheral inward dipping normal faults. Our results suggest that contraction is a direct product of magma emplacement along divergent plate boundaries, at various scales, marking a precise evolutionary stage and initiating part of the extensional structures (extension fractures and normal faults).

The 2015 Wolf volcano (Galápagos) eruption studied using Sentinel‐1 and ALOS‐2 data

An energetic eruption started on 25 May 2015 from a circumferential fissure at the summit of Wolf volcano on Isabela Island, western Galapagos. Further eruptive activity within the Wolf caldera followed in mid-June 2015. As no geodetic observations of earlier eruptions at Wolf exist, this eruption provides an opportunity to study the volcanos magmatic plumbing system for the first time. Here, we use interferometric synthetic aperture radar (InSAR) data from both the Sentinel-1A and ALOS-2 satellites to map and analyze the surface deformation at four time periods during the activity. These data allow us to identify the two eruption phases and reveal strong co-eruptive subsidence within the Wolf caldera that is superimposed on a larger volcano-wide subsidence signal. Modeling of the surface displacements shows that two shallow magma reservoirs located under Wolf at ~1u2009km and ~5u2009km below sea level explain the subsidence and that these reservoirs appear to be hydraulically connected. We also suggest that the transition from the circumferential to the intra-caldera eruption may have involved ring fault activity.

Experimental study of the interplay between magmatic rift intrusion and flank instability with application to the 2001 Mount Etna eruption

Mount Etna volcano is subject to transient magmatic intrusions and flank movement. The east flank of the edifice, in particular, is moving eastward and is dissected by the Timpe Fault System. The relationship of this eastward motion with intrusions and tectonic fault motion, however, remains poorly constrained. Here we explore this relationship by using analogue experiments that are designed to simulate magmatic rift intrusion, flank movement, and fault activity before, during, and after a magmatic intrusion episode. Using particle image velocimetry allows for a precise temporal and spatial analysis of the development and activity of fault systems. The results show that the occurrence of rift intrusion episodes has a direct effect on fault activity. In such a situation, fault activity may occur or may be hindered, depending on the interplay of fault displacement and flank acceleration in response to dike intrusion. Our results demonstrate that a complex interplay may exist between an active tectonic fault system and magmatically induced flank instability. Episodes of magmatic intrusion change the intensity pattern of horizontal flank displacements and may hinder or activate associated faults. We further compare our results with the GPS data of the Mount Etna 2001 eruption and intrusion. We find that syneruptive displacement rates at the Timpe Fault System have differed from the preeruptive or posteruptive periods, which shows a good agreement of both the experimental and the GPS data. Therefore, understanding the flank instability and flank stability at Mount Etna requires consideration of both tectonic and magmatic forcing.

Fault and graben growth along active magmatic divergent plate boundaries in Iceland and Ethiopia

Recent studies highlight the importance of annual-scale dike-induced rifting episodes in developing normal faults and graben along the active axis of magmatic divergent plate boundaries (MDPB). However, the longer-term (102–105u2009years) role of diking on the cumulative surface deformation and evolution of MDPB is not yet well understood. To better understand the longer-term normal faults and graben along the axis of MDPB, we analyze fissure swarms in Iceland and Ethiopia. We first focus on the simplest case of immature fissure swarms, with single dike-fed eruptive fissures; these consist of a <1u2009km wide graben bordered by normal faults with displacement up to a few meters, consistent with theoretical models and geodetic data. A similar structural pattern is found, with asymmetric and multiple graben, within wider mature fissure swarms, formed by several dike-fed eruptive fissures. We then consider the lateral termination of normal faults along these grabens to detect their upward or downward propagation. Most faults terminate as open fractures on flat surface, suggesting downward fault propagation; this is consistent with recent experiments showing dike-induced normal faults propagating downward from the surface. However, some normal faults also terminate as open fractures on monoclines, which resemble fault propagation folds; this suggests upward propagation of reactivated buried faults, promoted by diking. These results suggest that fault growth and graben development, as well as the longer-term evolution of the axis of MDPB, may be explained only through dike emplacement and that any amagmatic faulting is not necessary.

Magmatic control along a strike-slip volcanic arc: The central Aeolian arc (Italy)

The regional stress field in volcanic areas may be overprinted by that produced by magmatic activity, promoting volcanism and faulting. In particular, in strike-slip settings, the definition of the relationships between the regional stress field and magmatic activity remains elusive. To better understand these relationships, we collected stratigraphic, volcanic, and structural field data along the strike-slip central Aeolian arc (Italy): here the islands of Lipari and Vulcano separate the extensional portion of the arc (to the east) from the contractional one (to the west). We collected >500 measurements of faults, extension fractures, and dikes at 40 sites. Most structures are NNE-SSW to NNW-SSE oriented, eastward dipping, and show almost pure dip-slip motion, consistent with an E-W extension direction, with minor dextral and sinistral shear. Our data highlight six eruptive periods during the last 55u2009ka, which allow considering both islands as a single magmatic system, in which tectonic and magmatic activities steadily migrated eastward and currently focus on a 10u2009km longu2009×u20092u2009km wide active segment. Faulting appears to mostly occur in temporal and spatial relation with magmatic events, supporting that most of the observable deformation derives from transient magmatic activity (shorter term, days to months), rather than from steady longer-term regional tectonics (102–104u2009years). More in general, the central Aeolian case shows how magmatic activity may affect the structure and evolution of volcanic arcs, overprinting any strike-slip motion with magma-induced extension at the surface.