TECTONIC, VOLCANIC, AND HYDROTHERMAL EVENT SEQUENCE ON DECEPTION ISLAND (ANTARCTICA)

On the basis of the correlation between seismic tectonostratigraphic units, volcanism, and geochemical distribution patterns of sea-floor sediments on Deception Island (Antarctica), a regional tectonic extension is suggested to explain the sequence of volcanic and hydrothermal events. The syncollapse caldera episode is composed of five tectonostratigraphic units separated by progressively tilted and bent unconformities. Each unit shows a sequence of Quaternary volcanic cones and mound structures that display high contents of Fe, Mn, and Zn. As-rich active fumaroles and hot-spring areas are associated with the postcollapse episode and linked to normal faulting and present volcanism.