Post-caldera volcanism of Deception Island (Antarctica): new insights from Tephra studies and Port Foster Bay volcanic deposits

• Main Author: Hopfenblatt Hours, Joaquín
• Other Authors: Geyer Traver, Adelina, Aulinas Juncà, Meritxell, Universitat de Barcelona. Departament de Mineralogia, Petrologia i Geologia Aplicada
• Format: Doctoral or Postdoctoral Thesis
• Language: English
• Published: Universitat de Barcelona 2024
• Subjects: Vulcanologia; Vulcanología; Volcanology; Erupcions volcàniques; Erupciones volcánicas; Volcanic eruptions; Antàrtida; Regiones antárticas; Antarctica; Ciències Experimentals i Matemàtiques; 55; South Shetland Islands; Deception Island; Port Foster; Stanley Patch; Antarc*; Foster Bay
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/10803/690900

Programa de Doctorat en Ciències de la Terra [eng] Deception Island (South Shetland Islands) is one of the most active volcanoes in Antarctica and has experienced over 20 explosive eruptive events in recent centuries. Recent eruptions in 1967, 1969, and 1970, as well as volcanic unrest episodes in 1992, 1999, and 2014–2015, highlight the ongoing and potential future volcanic activity on the island. Despite this volcanic activity, the region has witnessed a substantial increase in scientific bases, tourist activities, and air and vessel traffic in the last decades. This surge in interest has raised concerns as the escalating infrastructure and population in the area are increasingly exposed to the risk of future eruptions. This enhanced exposure necessitates an urgent, and accurate, long-term assessment of the volcanic hazard posed by Deception Island. Previous attempts at such assessments have been limited by the incompleteness of the island’s eruptive record. The complexities of Deception Island's magmatic and volcanic evolution demand continued significant research efforts to enhance our understanding and contribute to more effective hazard assessments. This Doctoral Thesis combines diverse research lines, revealing crucial insights into the island's past, present, and potential future volcanic evolution as well as the associated impact of future eruptive events. The investigation encompasses two primary research lines: (1) the study of Port Foster's most relevant eruptive episode, focusing on the formation of the Stanley Patch volcanic edifice, and (2) the identification, compositional, and textural characterization of tephra layers sourced from Deception Island. These research lines are integral to enhance our understanding of the island's geological evolution since the caldera collapse. The combination of research lines pertaining to Port Foster and tephra studies provides significant advancements in our understanding of the post-caldera volcanic activity of Deception Island. The insights gained not only ...