Physics
Scientific paper
Feb 1999
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=1999jgr...104.2855d&link_type=abstract
Journal of Geophysical Research, Volume 104, Issue B2, p. 2855-2874
Physics
17
Information Related To Geographic Region: Indian Ocean, Volcanology: Planetary Volcanism
Scientific paper
The structure of the submerged part of the La Réunion hotspot island is determined by a grid of multichannel seismic reflection profiles. The submarine part of the edifice appears as a poorly stratified wedge of material lying above a significant thickness of preexisting sediments and the oceanic basement. The dense data coverage has allowed us to derive contour maps of the top of the basement and of the base of the volcaniclastic edifice, further constrained by coincident wide-angle profiles. The resulting isobath maps reveal new, unsuspected features that could not be deduced from observation along a single seismic line since the geometry of these horizons varies significantly from one radial profile to the next. Both maps show a large degree of heterogeneity in the topography, with no axial nor cylindrical symmetry, indicating that plate flexure is not dominant. A slight depression toward the island is observed only in the southern area, ahead of the hotspot trace. The lack of angular unconformity in the volcano-sedimentary pile that covers the oceanic basement firmly establishes the lack of significant vertical movement and flexure. The base of the edifice is roughly domed, centered on the island, with several topographic highs or lows superimposed. The submarine apron appears as a composite constructional body, spreading by slumping of its flanks. Superficial lenses of laterally transported material are observed on the seismic data south of the island, not only to the east of the active Piton de la Fournaise volcano. Oceanic sediments trapped beneath the apron seem undeformed.
Charvis Philippe
Dañobeitia Juanjo
de Voogd Beatrice
Gallart Josep
Hirn Alfred
No associations
LandOfFree
Vertical movements and material transport during hotspot activity: Seismic reflection profiling offshore La Réunion does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this scientific paper.
If you have personal experience with Vertical movements and material transport during hotspot activity: Seismic reflection profiling offshore La Réunion, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Vertical movements and material transport during hotspot activity: Seismic reflection profiling offshore La Réunion will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-944837