Geochronology of high-pressure rocks on Sifnos (Cyclades,Greece)

Polymetamorphic rocks of Sifnos (Greece) have been investigated by Rb-Sr, K-Ar, and fission track methods. Critical mineral assemblages from the northern and southernmost parts of Sifnos include jadeite+quartz+3T phengite, and omphacite+garnet +3T phengite, whereas the central part is characterized by the assemblage albite+chlorite+epidote+2M ₁ phengite.K-Ar and Rb-Sr dates on phengites (predominantly 3T) of the best preserved high P/itTmetamorphic rocks from northern Sifnos gave concordant ages around 42 m.y., indicating a Late Lutetian age for the high P/T metamorphism. Phengites (2M ₁+3T) of less preserved high P/T assemblages yielded K-Ar dates between 48 and 41 m.y. but generally lower Rb-Sr dates. The higher K-Ar dates are interpreted as being elevated by excess argon.K-Ar and Rb-Sr ages on 2M ₁ phengites from central Sifnos vary between 24 and 21 m.y. These ages date a second, greenschist-facies metamorphism which overprinted the earlier high-pressure metamorphic rocks.     

The global impact of the Minoan eruption of Santorini, Greece

 The Minoan eruption of Santorini was a large-magnitude natural event. However, in terms of scale it ranks smaller in erupted volume and eruptive intensity than the historical eruption of Tambora in 1815 AD, and smaller in sulphur emission and, by inference, climatic effects than both the Tambora and Mt. Pinatubo, 1991, eruptions. Eruption statistics for the past 2000 years indicate that Minoan-size eruptions typically occur at a rate of several per thousand years. Eruptions resulting in a Minoan-scale injection of sulphur to the stratosphere occur far more frequently – at a rate of one or two per century. Inferences of massive sociological, religious and political impacts from such eruptions owe more to mythology than reality. Received: 28 November 1995 · Accepted: 9 January 1996     

Trace element geochemistry of high alumina basalt - Andesite - Dacite - Rhyodacite lavas of the Main Volcanic Series of Santorini Volcano,Greece

Trace element systematics throughout the cal-calkaline high alumina basalt — basaltic andesite — andesite — dacite — rhyodacite lavas and dyke rocks of the Main Volcanic Series of Santorini volcano, Greece are consistent with the crystal fractionation of observed phenocryst phases from a parental basaltic magma as the dominant mechanism involved in generating the range of magmatic compositions. Marked inflection points in several variation trends correspond to changes in phenocryst mineralogy and divide the Main Series into two distinct crystallisation intervals — an early basalt to andesite stage characterised by calcic plagioclase+augite+olivine separation and a later andesite to rhyodacite stage generated by plagioclase augite+hypersthene+magnetite+apatite crystallisation. Percent solidification values derived from ratios of highly incompatible trace elements agree with previous values derived from major element data using addition-subtraction diagrams and indicate that basaltic andesites represent 47–69%; andesites 70–76%; dacites ca. 80% and rhyodacite ca. 84% crystallisation of the initial basalt magma. Least squares major element mixing calculations also confirm that crystal fractionation of the least fractionated basalts could generate derivative Main Series lavas, though the details of the least squares solutions differ significantly from those derived from highly incompatible element and addition-subtraction techniques. Main Series basalts may result from partial melting of the mantle asthenosphere wedge followed by limited olivine+pyroxene+Cr-spinel crystallisation on ascent through the sub-Aegean mantle and may fractionate to more evolved compositions at pressures close to the base of the Aegean crust. Residual andesitic to rhyodacite magmas may stagnate within the upper regions of the sialic Aegean crust and form relatively high level magma chambers beneath the southern volcanic centres of Santorini. The eruption of large volumes of basic lavas and silicic pyroclastics from Santorini may have a volcanological rather than petrological explanation.     

Petrology and Petrogenesis of Clinopyroxene-Rich Tholeiitic Lavas, Merelava Volcano, Vanuatu

The mineralogy, petrography and geochemistry of a suite of clinopyroxene-richolivine tholenite lavas from Merelava island, Vanuatu are described.Located at the southern end of the Northern Trough back-arcbasin, this suite displays all the characteristics of primitiveisland arc lavas: flat REE patterns, depleted HFSE, enrichmentin K-group elements relative to LREE, highly calcic plagioclase(to An_{9 3} and Cr-rich spinels (cr-number80) Analysis of groundmasscompositions demonstrates that the variation in MgO within thelava suite (from 13?7 to 4?3% MgO) represents only a small departurefrom a liquid line of descent. Some of the more primitive lavas contain low-Al₂O₃ clinopyroxenemegacrysts (mg-number = 100Mg/(Mg+Fe^{2 +} and ultramafic xenoliths,the latter ranging from fine-grained, tectonite wehrlites andchnopyroxene-bearing harzburgites, to coarse-grained cumulatewehrlites. The cumulate nodules, megacrysts and phenocrysts are shown tobe co-magmatic, and an empirical compositional relationshipis demonstrated for equilibrium olivine-clinopyroxene pairs,covering the observed fractionation range (mg-number_Cpx=0?6375mg-number_O1 + 35?3). On the basis that the most primitive olivine(mg-number _{91 7}) is close to the liquidus composition, thiscompositional relationship demonstrates that clinopyroxene (mg-number=94,and containing no Fe³⁺) was also a liquidus phase. Clinopyroxeneswith mg-number>94 are the product of local oxidation duringmixing of primitive, relatively reduced magmas, and more evolved,oxidized magmas. This mixing also gave rise to relatively narrow,reversely zoned, internal rims on many clinopyroxene and olivinephenocrysts, cumulus crystals, and clinopyroxene megacrysts. Fractionation modelling demonstrates that the most differentiatedsample with 19 wt.% Al₂O₃ can be derived from the most primitivesample with 10?3% Al₂O₃ by removal of 48% crystals of clinopyroxeneand olivine in the proportions 73:27 Plagioclase is a late crystallizingphase and has an insignificant role in the fractionation process. The parent melt composition (mg-number=77) is deduced from themost primitive olivine composition and the liquid line of descent,and is shown to contain equal amounts of MgO and CaO (137 wt.%),a high CaO/Al₂O₃ ratio of 1?3 and an unusually low Ni contentof 137 ppm. Data from published high pressure (8–20 kb)experiments on melting of peridotite and pyrolite do not providean explanati in for the large normative diopside component inthis parent melt (38 mol.%), and a hypothesis is proposed wherebyhigh degrees of melting of refractory Iherzolite or harzburgite+acomponent of lower crustal pyroxenite and/or wehrlite takesplace at the base of the crust (5–55 kb). At this depth,and initially under hydrous conditions, high degrees of meltingwould progressively eliminate orthopyroxene and then clinopyroxeneto produce a dunite residue. The liquid produced near the pointof clinopyroxene elimination would be compatible with the highCaO and Sc contents, and high Sc/Ni, Cr/Ni and D1/Hy ratiosof the lavas, and the refractory nature of the phenocrysts.     

The Petrology of Thingmuli, a Tertiary Volcano in Eastern Iceland

The Tertiary flood-basalt sequence of eastern Iceland is intermittentlydisturbed by central volcanic activity with the voluminous eruptionof acid magma. Associated with one of these central volcanoes,described in this paper, is an intense swarm of acid and basicdykes, a set of acid cone-sheets, and extensive superimposedhydrothermal alteration. The lavas and intrusions which makeup the volcano grade in composition from olivine-tholeiites,through olivine-free tholeiites, basaltic-andesites, and andesites(icelandites), to rhyolites. This series is unusually rich iniron, titanium, and manganese, and poor in magnesium; aluminaand total alkalis also tend to be low in the basic members.Magnetite (sensu lato) plays a varied role in the order of crystallization,and it is only in the intermediate stages of this fractionatedseries that magnetite is available for crystal fractionation.The otherwise progressive enrichment of iron relative to magnesiumthroughout the successive liquids of the series is halted duringan intermediate stage, as magnetite becomes an early-crystallizingphase.     

Evolution of the blueschist and greenschist facies rocks of Sifnos,Cyclades, Greece

The metamorphism on the island of Sifnos is characterized by the Eocene development of a coherent highpressure blueschist terrane and an early Miocene greenschist facies overprint. This study documents the metamorphic evolution of the blueschist assemblages, still preserved in the northern parts of the island, and their subsequent transformation into greenschists in the central and southern parts.The oxygen isotope geothermometry is based on calibrations for quartz, pyroxenes and magnetite (Matthews et al. 1983a) augmented by revised calibrations for the minerals muscovite ( _Qz–Mu=1.55×10⁶ T _–2), epidote ( _Qz–Ep= 1.56+1.92 _ps)10⁶ T _–2), and rutile ( _Qz–Ru=4.54×10⁶ T _–2).Oxygen isotope analyses of minerals from the Blueschist unit of northern Sifnos give consistent fractionations which are independent of rock type. An average temperature of 455° C was obtained, although the scatter in temperatures deduced from the various geothermometers suggests that equilibration occurs under slightly changing physicochemical conditions. Analyses of minerals and whole rocks shows that pervasive equilibration in the presence of a common metamorphic fluid has not occurred.The minerals and whole rocks of the greenschists of central Sifnos are systematically enriched in ¹⁸O relative to the blueschist assemblages. Chemical data indicate that the greenschist overprint was accompanied by a metasomatic enrichment of Ca²⁺ and CO₂. The petrologic, isotopic and chemical evidence favour a metamorphism governed by the infiltration of ¹⁸O-CO₂ enriched aqueous solutions. It is reasonable to assume that this is connected with the Miocene magmatic activity observed throughout the Cyclades. The marbles separating the Blueschist from the Greenschist unit probably acted as barriers to fluid infiltration into the blueschists and were responsible for their preservation.The pressure of the blueschist metamorphism is estimated at 14±2 kbar, corresponding to a depth of ca. 50 km. The structural style and stratigraphy of Sifnos are suggestive of the subduction of a continental margin sequence. It is clear that the considerable tectonic depression may be associated with continental collision and underthrusting.     

Along‐strike consistency of an extensional detachment system,West Cyclades,Greece

The Lavrion district of the Attica Peninsula, Greece, exposes the West Cycladic Detachment System (WCDS), a low‐angle crustal‐scale extensional fault system separating tectonostratigraphic units of the Cycladic Blueschist Unit. New multiple single‐grain fusion and step‐heated white mica ⁴⁰Ar/³⁹Ar ages integrated with existing (U–Th)/He ages and independent paleothermometry resolves a syn‐ to post‐orogenic deformation history. A structurally higher unit records Oligocene greenschist facies deformation that evolved into brittle conditions by the middle Miocene, and shares a similar history to Serifos at the southern end of the detachment system. The structurally lowest unit remained ductile until the late Miocene, preserving pervasive post‐orogenic structures, similar to along‐strike structures at the centre, deepest part of the fault. The similarities of structural styles and the timing of deformation across > 150 km of strike length of the detachment system indicates tens of kilometers of offset and extraordinary potential for correlating observations along Cycladic‐style detachment systems.     

Low-angle faults above and below a blueschist belt—Tinos Island, Cyclades, Greece

New observations from the Island of Tinos, Greece, allow a better definition of the structural position of the Alpine (Eocene) blueschist belt exposed in the islands of the Aegean Sea. These blueschists, over a significant part of the Aegean sea, are delimited from below by a low-angle thrust fault, while from above they are delimited by a low-angle, normal-type fault which omits a substantial crustal interval. Both underlying and overlying rocks were not affected by the high? metamorphism. The rapid uplift and exhumation of the high? rocks was therefore mainly the result of fault movements rather than erosion and whole-crust uplifting. The low-angle normal fault apparently had a major role in the uplift of the blueschists.     

Petrology of an ophiolitic cumulate sequence from Pindos,Greece

The ophiolitic sequence which crops out along the Aspropotamos Valley, Northern Pindos, Greece is composed from the bottom to the top of cumulates, dolerites, basaltic lavas, upper pillow lavas with basaltic/andesitic composition, and scarce basaltic dykes. The intrusive sequence, which is the subject of the present paper, exhibits magmatic layering more pronounced at the bottom than at the top where isotropic gabbros occur; they grade into the overlying dolerites. Troctolites with rare ultramafites prevail in the lower section and olivine gabbros in the upper section; at the top two-pyroxene gabbros appear. The rocks are mainly adcumulates and mesocumulates with subordinate heteradcumulates. The cumulus phases separated in the order: olivine and Cr-spinel, plagioclase, clinopyroxene, orthopyroxene. Olivine, plagioclase and pyroxenes frequently exhibit adeumulus overgrowth. Intercumulus phases may be plagioclase, clinopyroxene, orthopyroxene, pale brown amphibole and magnetite. Where pore material is present, it is composed of plagioclase, clinopyroxene, orthopyroxene, hornblende and ores. Cr-spinel occurs mainly at the bottom of the sequence (Cr₂O₃ between 30·5 and 39·8 per cent), while magnetite appears as a very rare phase in the upper section. Olivine, orthopyroxene, clinopyroxene exhibit slight cryptic variation (Mg × 100/(Mg + Fe) in the range 90–79, 90–70, 93–72 respectively). The investigated dolerites are non-cumulus rocks where clinopyroxene may be more magnesian than in the uppermost gabbros. The cumulate sequence and dolerites underwent variable but generally slight spilitization, in contrast to the overlying lavas. The sequence was generated through crystal accumulation probably from periodic pulses of tholeiitic magma; newly injected magma batches mixing with magma fractions already differentiated in the magma chamber. The high fluid pressure evidenced by the fluid inclusions in plagioclase and the whole chemical trend of the cumulate sequence are consistent with a genesis above a subduction zone, as already hypothesized for the overlying lavas.     

Petrology of the Nandewar Volcano,N.S.W., Australia

The Nandewar Mountains, N.S.W., Australia, are the remains of a Miocene continental alkaline volcano whose products range from olivine basalts to comendites and alkali rhyolites. Intermediate hawaiites, mugearites and benmoreites predominate in the shield, in which olivine basalts are rare, and the trachytic rocks form many intrusions into the shield. The Nandewar alkaline series shows extreme fractionation of a relatively differentiated alkali olivine basalt magma, saturated with silica, to yield extremely oversaturated peralkaline comendites and peraluminous alkali rhyolites. The nature of the ferromagnesian phases forming was controlled by low oxygen fugacities. Throughout the series clinopyroxenes range from diopsidic augite, through sodic ferrohedenbergites to hedenbergite-acmite solid solutions. Riebeckite-arfvedsonite solid solutions appear in the trachytes and comendites, and aenigmatite appears in some of the peralkaline rocks. The feldspars in the series fractionate from calcic labradorite through potash oligoclase and calcic anothoclase towards the minimum melting alkali feldspar composition, Ab₆₅Or₃₅. The compositions of the alkali rhyolites approach the minimum in the system SiO₂-KAlSi₃O₈-NaAlSi₃O₈. All the mineralogical and chemical evidence points to the development of the Nandewar series by the processes of extreme crystallization differentiation of an alkali olivine basalt parent magma. No significant contamination occurred, xenoliths and xenocrysts are absent, and volatile transfer and metasomatism played a minor role.     

Structural analysis of basement tectonites from the Aegean metamorphic core complex of Ios, Cyclades, Greece

The island of Ios in the Cyclades, Aegean Sea, Greece, exposes high pressure metamorphic rocks that were subjected to Miocene continental extension subsequent to the Alpine collisional orogeny. The pre-Alpine history of the lower-plate of this Aegean metamorphic core complex involves intrusion of granitoids into metasediments which subsequently underwent Hercynian amphibolite facies metamorphism. During the Alpine orogeny (D₂), these rocks were overthrust by the Cyclades blueschist nappe. Later, the lower plate was tectonically exhumed during Oligo-Miocene continental extension and associated plutonism. Final exhumation occurred as a result of the operation of a south-directed, crustal-scale shear zone and low-angle normal faults. This study shows that the Ios core complex reflects an intrinsic relationship between early thrusting and later extensional tectonism. Basement rocks have been exhumed from beneath the nappes that originally overrode them.     

Isotopic dating of pre-Alpidic rocks from the island of Ios (Cyclades,Greece)

The lower tectonic unit of Ios provides evidence of an at least four stage metamorphic and intrusive history which well might be generalized for large parts of the internal Pelagonian.Metamorphic country rocks of unknown age were intruded about 500 Ma ago, as concluded from a Rb-Sr whole rock (WR) isochron on relic tonalites to granodiorites which largely escaped the polyphase postmagmatic overprints.A Hercynian amphibolite facies metamorphism, during which the igneous rocks were partly recrystallized to orthogneisses, is dated by a lower intercept age of 300–305 Ma of U-Pb determinations on zircons and by three almost concordant Rb-Sr muscovite-WR ages of 295 to 288 Ma.K-Ar analyses on these muscovites and on biotites, and Rb-Sr tie lines WR-biotite and WR with other relic magmatic minerals yielded various apparent ages between 260 and 60 Ma. They are interpreted as mixed ages between a Hercynian cooling age and the two stage Alpidic overprints.White micas formed during the Eocene high P/T and/or Oligocene/Miocene Barrovian-type overprints yielded K-Ar dates ranging from 82 to 26 Ma, as well as a single Rb-Sr date of 13 Ma. These Alpidic dates resemble the more detailed age patterns of other Cycladic islands. But they are not sufficient for an independent dating of the Tertiary evolution on Ios island.     

3D geometrical modelling of post-foliation deformations in metamorphic terrains (Syros,Cyclades, Greece)

Superposed to ductile syn-metamorphic deformations, post-foliation deformations affect metamorphic units during their exhumation. Understanding the role of such deformations in the structuration of metamorphic units is key for understanding the tectonic evolution of convergence zones. We characterize post-foliations deformations using 3D modelling which is a first-order tool to describe complex geological structures, but a challenging task where based only on surface data. We propose a modelling procedure that combines fast draft models (interpolation of orientation data), with more complex ones where the structural context is better understood (implicit modelling), allowing us to build a 3D geometrical model of Syros Island blueschists (Cyclades), based on field data. With our approach, the 3D model is able to capture the complex present-day geometry of the island, mainly controlled by the superposition of three types of post-metamorphic deformations affecting the original metamorphic pile: i) a top-to-South ramp-flat extensional system that dominates the overall island structure, ii) large-scale folding of the metamorphic units associated with ramp-flat extensional system, and iii) steeply-dipping normal faults trending dominantly NNW-SSE and EW. The 3D surfaces produced by this method match outcrop data, are geologically consistent, and provide reasonable estimates of geological structures in poorly constrained areas.     

The geology of the polymetamorphic complex of Ios,Cyclades, Greece and its significance for the Cycladic Massif

The geological structure of the island of Ios, Cyclades, Greece, is a dome consisting of an augengneiss core and a mantle of garnet-mica schists that together form the Basement which is overthrust by a marble-schist Series. This Series is mainly made up of meta-volcanics and metamorphosed sediments, presumably Mesozoic in age. It is a tectonically composed pile of marbles alternating with glaucophane schists, actinolite schists and chlorite schists. Petrological relations and isotope dating indicate the polymetamorphic character of Ios. Two Alpine metamorphic phases, M₁ and M₂, and relicts of a high grade metamorphic or magmatic phase (Mo), that only affected the Basement, are demonstrated. Radiometric ages obtained for the Basement confirm the interpretation that the Mo phase is Pre-Alpine. The M₁ and M₂ were dated at 43 Ma and 25 Ma respectively. The P-T conditions of metamorphism are estimated as 9–11 kb and 350 to 400° C for the M₁ phase and 5–7 kb and 380–420° C for the M₂ phase. The metamorphic history of the Cyclades is discussed and it is suggested that Pre-Alpine Basement occurs also on Sikinos and Naxos.

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Zusammenfassung Die Kykladeninsel Ios besteht zur Hauptsache aus einem Gneisdom. Der Kern dieses Doms ist ein Augengneiskomplex, welcher von Granat-Muskovit-Schiefern umhüllt wird. Auf dieses Grundgebirge ist eine Marmor-Schiefer-Serie überschoben worden, eine tektonisch bedingte Wechselfolge von Metasedimenten und Metavulkaniten, wahrscheinlich mesozoischen Alters.Die petrologischen Gegebenheiten und Isotopendatierungen bezeugen Polymetamorphose. Es konnten zwei metamorphe Phasen alpidischen Alters nachgewiesen werden, M₁ und M₂, sowie die Spuren einer hochgradigen, metamorphen oder magmatischen Phase Mo, welche nur die Basis betroffen hat.Radiometrische Alterbestimmungen bestätigen die Deutung, daß das Grundgebirge voralpidisches Alter hat. Die Phasen M₁ und M₂ wurden datiert auf 43 Mj. und 25 Mj. Die Druck-Temperatur-Bedingungen der M₁ und M₂ wurden abgeschätzt auf 9–11 Kb und 350–400° C für die M₁ und auf 5–7 Kb und 380–420° C im Falle der M₂. Der metamorphe Werdegang der Kykladen wird diskutiert sowie die mutmaßliche Existenz eines vergleichbaren voralpidischen Grundgebirges auf den Nachbarinseln Sikinos und Naxos.

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Résumé La structure géologique de l'île d'Ios (Cyclades, Grèce) est un dôme. Le noyau du dôme est un complexe d'augengneiss enveloppé par des schistes à grenat et mica. Ce noyau, qui constitue le socle, est chevauché par une série composée d'une succession tectonique de marbres et de schistes à glaucophane, de schistes à actinote et de schistes à chlorite. Les relations pétrologiques et les datations isotopiques indiquent le caractère polymétamorphique de l'île d'Ios. On y peut démontrer deux phases de métamorphisme alpin (M 1 et M 2) ainsi que des témoins d'une phase métamorphique ou magmatique antérieure qui n'a influencé que le socle. Les datations radiométriques obtenues pour le socle confirment l'âge préalpin de la phase M 0. Les phases M 1 et M 2 sont datées à 43 et 25 Ma respectivement. Les conditions du métamorphisme des phases M 1 et M 2 sont estimées respectivement à 9–11 kb avec 350–400° C, et 5–7 kb avec 380–420° C. L'histoire métamorphique des Cyclades est discutée ainsi que la présence probable d'un socle Préalpin comparable dans les îles voisines de Sikinos et de Naxos.

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Kykladen los . — , , . , , - , , . (M₁ M₂) , ( m₀), . , . M₁ M₂ - 43, 25 . M₁ 9–11 350–400° , ₂ 5–7 380–420° . . Kykladen - Sikinos Naxos.

     

Origin and metamorphism of ultrabasic rocks associated with a subducted continental margin, Naxos (Cyclades, Greece)

Meta-peridotites outcropping at different structural levels within the Alpine metamorphic complex of the Cycladic island of Naxos were studied to re-examine their metamorphic evolution and possible tectonic mechanisms for emplacement of mantle material into the continental crust. The continental margin section exposed on Naxos, consisting of pre-Alpine basement and c. 7 km thick Mesozoic platform cover, has undergone intense metamorphism of Alpine age, comprising an Eocene (M1) blueschist event strongly overprinted by a Miocene Barrovian-type event (M2). Structural concordance with the country rocks and metasomatic zonation at the contact with the felsic host rocks indicate that the meta-peridotites have experienced the M2 metamorphism. This conclusion is supported by the similarity between metamorphic temperatures of the ultrabasic rocks and those of the host rocks. Maximum temperatures of 730–760 °C were calculated for the upper-amphibolite facies meta-peridotites (Fo–En–Hbl–Chl–Spl), associated with sillimanite gneisses and migmatites. Relict phases in ultrabasics of different structural levels indicate two distinct pre-M2 histories: whereas the cover-associated horizons have been affected by low-grade serpentinization prior to metamorphism, the basement- associated meta-peridotites show no signs of serpentinization and instead preserve some of their original mantle assemblage. The geochemical affinities of the two groups are also different. The basement-associated meta-peridotites retain their original composition indicating derivation by fractional partial melting of primitive lherzolite, whereas serpentinization has led to almost complete Ca-loss in the second group. The cover-associated ultrabasics are interpreted as remnants of an ophiolite sequence obducted on the adjacent continental shelf early in the Alpine orogenesis. In contrast, the basement-associated meta-peridotites were tectonically interleaved with the Naxos section at great depth during the Alpine collision and high P/T metamorphism. Their emplacement at the base of the orogenic wedge is inferred to have involved isobaric cooling from temperatures of c. 1050 °C within the spinel lherzolite field to eclogite facies temperatures of c. 600 °C.     

The enrichment of 34S in the solfataras of the Nea Kameni volcano,Santorini archipelago,Greece

Sulfur isotope investigations carried out on elemental sulfur and sulfates of the Nea Kameni solfataras, Santorini, Aegean Sea, Greece, show a clear enrichment in the heavy sulfur isotope ³⁴S against the assumed primordial ${}^{32}\text{S}{}^{34}\text{S}$ ratio of 22,220. Within the same crater, different vents, only a few meters apart from each other, produced δ differences up to 10‰, which remained constant for several years. This enrichment is most probably due to contamination by heavy sulfur from a nonvolcanic source. An enrichment in the same order of magnitude was observed in sulfur of recent and older lavas ($\text{δ}{}^{34}\text{S}\text{= ?1 ? +11‰}$).Potential contaminants like sulfide sulfur in hydrothermal ore veins of Athinios has a δ ³⁴S mean value close to 0‰, sulfide and sulfate in the sedimentary basement has a δ ³⁴S mean value of $\text{+2.6‰.}$ Seawater sulfate from the area gives a value of $\text{δ}{}^{34}\text{S}\text{= 20‰}$, while sulfide from bacterial reduction of pore-water sulfate in recent iron ore sediments has δ ³⁴S values between ?8 and $\text{?5‰.}$ Sulfate remaining in the pore solutions gave $\text{δ}{}^{34}\text{S}\text{= +27‰}$.The most probable explanation for the observed high δ ³⁴S values in the solfataric sulfur and in some of the lavas of the Santorini area is contamination of the volcanic vents by Mediterranean Sea water.     

Empirical seismic vulnerability,deterministic risk and monetary loss assessment in Fira (Santorini,Greece)

A deterministic seismic risk and monetary loss model is presented for the capital of Santorini volcanic Island, the town of Fira, on a building block scale. A local seismic source of M5.6 inferred from a recent volcano unrest in 2011–2012, detailed seismic vulnerability of 435 buildings and site conditions deduced from free-field ambient noise measurements were combined toward assessing the EMS-98 damage grade and its probability to occur. The seismic scenario yielded no damage or slight damage for 84% of the buildings, 16% of the constructions are expected to present moderate-to-heavy damage, while the economic loss amounts to 4 million euros. Although the model predicts low damage and direct economic loss, interaction with the touristic business activities might produce cascade side effects for the economy of the island and consequently Greece’s GDP, an important part of which emanates from Santorini.     

Petrology of Calc-alkaline Lavas from Ruapehu Volcano and Related Vents, Taupo Volcanic Zone, New Zealand

Most Ruapehu lavas and those of related vents (Taupo VolcanicZone, New Zealand) are calc-alkaline, medium-K basic and acidandesites, though minor volumes of basalt and dacite occur.Nearly all are porphyritic with phenocrysts of plagioclase,augite, olivine (mainly in basalts and basic andesites), orthopyroxene(mainly in acid andesites and dacites), and titanomagnetite(chrome spinel in basic lavas). The lavas have been subdividedinto six groups, each petrographically, geochemically and isotopicallydistinct: Type 1 plagioclase-pyroxene phyric lavas dominate,and range from basalt to dacite. Least squares mass balancecalculations indicate that these lavas were probably generatedfrom low-alumina basalt by combined crystal fractionation (15–55per cent) and crustal assimilation (1–30 per cent). Xenolithstudies indicate that the assimilant is most likely to be apartial melt of gneiss, originally Torlesse terrane greywacke.Crystal accumulation occurs to a minor extent in Type 1 lavasand becomes important in Type 2 (plagioclase-phyric) and Type3 (pyroxene-phyric) lavas. Type 4 lavas are rare and of unknownorigin, though they may be similar to rare hornblende-bearingandesites from nearby Maungakatote volcano. Type 5 lavas areclinopyroxene-olivine-phyric andesites which were probably generatedfrom a primitive basalt by crystal fractionation without crustalassimilation. Type 6 lavas show strong evidence of disequilibriumand were probably generated by mixing Type 5 basalt with Type1 dacite in proportions of between 60:40 and 50:50. The assertion that the assimilant involved in contaminationof most Ruapehu andesites is a partial melt of basement greywackeis a significant departure from previously published theoriesand has important implications for trace element and isotopicmodelling.