Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

The Detection of Volcanic Debris Avalanches (VDAs) Along the Hellenic Volcanic Arc, Through Marine Geophysical Techniques

  • Chapter
  • First Online:
Submarine Mass Movements and Their Consequences

Part of the book series: Advances in Natural and Technological Hazards Research ((NTHR,volume 37))

Abstract

Recent marine oceanographic surveys using geophysical techniques have revealed a number of volcanic debris avalanche deposits (VDAs) on the external flanks of Antimilos, Santorini and Nisyros volcanoes in the South Aegean Sea. Swath bathymetry and side-scan sonar surveys led to the recognition of characteristic hummocky topography on all of these deposits. On seismic profiles the VDAs are identified by chaotic facies, with incoherent areas bordered by continuous undisturbed seismic reflectors. High-resolution examination of the morphological characteristics of the VDAs was accomplished by using Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs), in order to distinguish them from other clastic deposits. In some cases the VDAs can be traced upslope to horseshoe-shaped collapse depressions and represent the expression of the complex evolution of these volcanic edifices. Recognition of VDAs at these volcanic centers has important implications for geohazard assessments as flank collapses have the potential for triggering of large-scale tsunamis. The relationship between the distribution/emplacement mechanisms of the VDA deposits and the source flank collapses remains an area of ongoing research.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

Log in via an institution
Chapter
USD 29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD 129.00
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book
USD 169.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info
Hardcover Book
USD 169.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Durable hardcover edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Institutional subscriptions

References

  • Alexandri M, Papanikolaou D, Nomikou P, Ballas D (2001) Geological structure of the Myrtoon basin (Aegean Sea) based on swath bathymetry. Rapport Commission International pour l’explorationscientifique de la MerMediterranee 36:3

    Google Scholar 

  • Bell KLC, Carey S, Nomikou P, Sigurdsson H, Sakellariou D (2013) Submarine evidence of a debris avalanche deposit on the eastern slope of Santorini volcano, Greece. Tectonophysics 597/598:147–160

    Google Scholar 

  • Clague DA, Moore JG (2002) The proximal part of the giant submarine Wailau landslide, Molokai, Hawaii. J Volcanol Geotherm Res 113:259–287

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Crutchley GJ, Karstens J, Berndt C et al (2013) Insights into the emplacement dynamics of volcanic landslides from high-resolution 3D seismic data acquired offshore Montserrat, Lesser Antilles. Mar Geol 335:1–15

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Druitt TH, Edwards L, Mellors RM, Pyle DM et al (1999) Santorini volcano. Geol Soc Lond Mem 19:1–178

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Friedrich WL, Kromer B, Friedrich M, Heinemeier J, Pfeiffer T, Talamo S (2006) Santorini eruption radiocarbon dated to 1627–1600 B.C. Science 312:548

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Gee MJR, Watts AB, Masson DG, Mitchell NC (2001) Landslides and the evolution of El Hiero in the Canary Islands. Mar Geol 177:271–293

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Krastel S, Schmincke HU, Jacobs CL, Rihm R, Le Bas TM, Alibés B (2001) Submarine land-slides around the Canary Islands. J Geophys Res 106:3977–3997

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Lebas E, Le Friant A, Boudon G et al (2011) Multiple widespread landslides during the long-term evolution of a volcanic island: insights from high-resolution seismic data, Montserrat, Lesser Antilles. Geochem Geophys Geosyst 12(5), May 2011. doi:10.1029/2010GC003451

  • Le Pichon X, Angelier J (1979) The Hellenic arc and trench system: a key to the neotectonic evolution of the eastern Mediterranean area. Tectonophysics 60:1–42

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Livanos I, Nomikou P, Papanikolaou D, Rousakis G (2012) Volcanic Debris Avalanche at the SE submarine slopes of Nisyros Volcano, Greece. In: Abstracts of 2012 international earth science colloquium on the Aegean Region, Izmir, 1–5 October 2012

    Google Scholar 

  • Manville V, Nemeth K, Kano K (2009) Source to sink: a review of three decades of progress in the understanding of volcanoclastic processes, deposits, and hazards. Sediment Geol 220:136–161

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Marinos G (1961) The Antimilos volcano in Aegean Sea. Bull Geol Soc Greece IV(1):38–50

    Google Scholar 

  • Masson DG, Watts AB, Gee MJR et al (2002) Slope failures on the flanks of the western Canary Islands. Earth Sci Rev 57:1–35

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • McGuire WJ (1996) Volcano instability: a review of contemporary issues. In: McGuire WJ, Jones AP, Neuberg J (eds) Volcano instability on the earth and other planets, vol 110, Geological Society of London special publication. Geological Society, London, pp 1–23

    Google Scholar 

  • McKenzie DP (1972) Active tectonics of the Mediterranean region. Geophys JR Astron Soc 30:109–185

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Mitchell NC, Masson DG, Watts AB, Gee MJR, Urgeles R (2002) The morphology of the sub-marine flanks of volcanic ocean islands: a comparative study of the Canary and Hawaiian hotspot islands. J Volcanol Geotherm Res 115:83–107

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Nomikou P, Papanikolaou D (2011) Extension of active fault zones on Nisyros Volcano across the Yali–Nisyros channel based on onshore and offshore data Vol: SI Seafloor mapping. Mar Geophys Res. http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s11001-011-9119-z

  • Nomikou P, Tibaldi A, Pasquare F, Papanikolaou D (2009) Submarine morphological analysis based on multibeam data of a huge collapse at the SE flank of Nisyros volcano. Rend Online Soc Geol Ital 7:177–179

    Google Scholar 

  • Nomikou P, Carey S, Papanikolaou D, Bell CK, Sakellariou D, Alexandri M, Bejelou K (2012) Submarine Volcanoes of the Kolumbo volcanic zone NE of Santorini Caldera, Greece. Glob Planet Chang 90–91:135–151

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Nomikou P, Papanikolaou D, Alexandri M, Sakellariou D, Rousakis G (2013) Submarine volcanoes along the Aegean volcanic arc. Tectonophysics 597/598:123–146

    Google Scholar 

  • Papanikolaou D (1993) Geotectonic evolution of the Aegean. Bull Geol Soc Greece XXVII:33–48

    Google Scholar 

  • Papanikolaou D, Lekkas E, Sakelariou D (1991) Geological structure and evolution of the Nisyros volcano. Bull Geol Soc Greece 25:405–419

    Google Scholar 

  • Pe-Piper G, Piper D (2002) The igneous rocks of Greece. Beitragezurperionalengeologie der erde 30:573

    Google Scholar 

  • Romagnoli C, Casalbore D, Chiocci FL, Bosman A (2009) Offshore evidence of large-scale lateral collapse on the eastern flank of Stromboli, Italy, due to structurally-controlled, bi-lateral flank instability. Mar Geol 262:1–13

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Royden LH, Papanikolaou DJ (2011) Slab segmentation and late Cenozoic disruption of the Hellenic arc. Geochem Geophys Geosyst 12(3), 29 March 2011. doi:10.1029/2010GC003280

  • Siebert L (1984) Large volcanic debris avalanches: characteristics of source areas, deposits, and associated eruptions. J Volcanol Geotherm Res 22:163–197

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Sigurdsson H, Carey S, Alexandri M et al (2006) Marine investigations of Greece’s Santorini volcanic field. EOS 87(34):337–339

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Tibaldi A (2001) Multiple sector collapses at Stromboli volcano, Italy: how they work. Bull Volcanol 63:112–125

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Tibaldi A, Pasquarè FA, Papanikolaou D, Nomikou P (2008) Discovery of a huge sector collapse at the resurgent caldera of Nisyros, Greece, by onshore and offshore geological-structural data. J Volcanol Geotherm Res 177:485–499

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Urgeles R, Canals M, Baraza J, Alonso B, Masson DG (1997) The most recent mega slides on the Canary Islands: the El Golfo Debris avalanche and the Canary Debris flow. J Geophys Res 102(20):305–323

    Google Scholar 

  • Watt SFL, Tailing PJ, Vardy ME et al (2012) Widespread and progressive seafloor-sediment failure following volcanic debris avalanche emplacement: landslide dynamics and timing offshore Montserrat, Lesser Antilles. Mar Geol 323–325:69–94

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Waythomas CF, Watts P, Shi F, Kirby JT (2009) Pacific Basin tsunami hazards associated with mass flows in the Aleutian arc of Alaska. Quat Sci Rev 28:1006–1019

    Article  Google Scholar 

Download references

Acknowledgments

The officers and the crew of the R/V Aegaeo and E/V Nautilus are gratefully acknowledged for their important and effective contribution to the field work and sampling. Jason Chaytor and Vasilis Lykousis are acknowledged for their useful and constructive comments.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Geology and Geoenvironment, University of Athens, Panepistimiopoli Zografou, 15784, Athens, Greece

    P. Nomikou, D. Papanikolaou & I. Livanos

  2. Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Milan Bicocca, Milan, Italy

    A. Tibaldi

  3. Graduate School of Oceanography, University of Rhode Island, Narragansett, RI, USA

    S. Carey & K. L. C. Bell

  4. Ocean Exploration Trust, Mystic, CT, USA

    K. L. C. Bell

  5. Department of Theoretical and Applied Sciences, Insubria University, Varese, Italy

    F. A. Pasquarè

  6. Institute for Oceanography, Hellenic Centre for Marine Research, Anavyssos, Greece

    G. Rousakis

Authors
  1. P. Nomikou
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. D. Papanikolaou
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. A. Tibaldi
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. S. Carey
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  5. I. Livanos
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  6. K. L. C. Bell
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  7. F. A. Pasquarè
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  8. G. Rousakis
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to P. Nomikou .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Institute of Geosciences, Christian-Albrechts-Universität zu Kiel, Kiel, Germany

    Sebastian Krastel

  2. GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kield, Kiel, Germany

    Jan-Hinrich Behrmann

  3. GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel, Kiel, Germany

    David Völker

  4. GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Resarch Kiel, Kiel, Germany

    Michael Stipp

  5. GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel, Kiel, Germany

    Christian Berndt

  6. Institute of Marine Sciences, Barcelona, Spain

    Roger Urgeles

  7. United States Geological Survey, Woods Hole, Massachusetts, USA

    Jason Chaytor

  8. MARUM Center for Marine Environmental Sciences, University of Bremen, Bremen, Germany

    Katrin Huhn

  9. Geological Institute, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland

    Michael Strasser

  10. Norwegian Geotechnical Institute, Oslo, Norway

    Carl Bonnevie Harbitz

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 2014 Springer International Publishing Switzerland

About this chapter

Cite this chapter

Nomikou, P. et al. (2014). The Detection of Volcanic Debris Avalanches (VDAs) Along the Hellenic Volcanic Arc, Through Marine Geophysical Techniques. In: Krastel, S., et al. Submarine Mass Movements and Their Consequences. Advances in Natural and Technological Hazards Research, vol 37. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-00972-8_30

Download citation

Publish with us

Policies and ethics

Search

Navigation