The geomorphic and structural development of Hawaiian submarine rift zones

Author:

Fornari, D. J.

Title:

The geomorphic and structural development of Hawaiian submarine rift zones

Periodical:

Volcanism in Hawaii

Year:

1987

Pages:

p. 125-132

Subject:

Volcanoes Geology Hawaii Island

Summary:

The structure and morphology of Hawaiian submarine rift zones reflect the time-integrated effects of constructional volcanic processes, island subsidence, destructive gravitational slumping of unbuttressed volcano sides, and reef buildup and sedimentation. Structural modification of submarine rift flanks begins during initial stages of eruptive history and reaches a maximum during the shield-building stage. The process is exemplified by faults on the south submarine flank of Kilauea's east rift zone, debris slides like the Papau slide on the south flank of Hawaii, and large gravitational slump features, like the Kauna and Alika slides, on the southwest flank of Mauna Loa. The submarine northwest rift of Hualalai and Mauna Kea's submarine east rift have morphological characteristics indicating that their structural evolution is largely complete. Further changes to these evolved submarine rift zones and to older Hawaiian submarine slopes will be caused principally by subsidence, burial beneath carbonate platforms and sediments, and erosion and redeposition of hemipelagic and volcanogenic sediments by rubble flows and debris slides that transport sediments down steep submarine slopes.

URL:

http://pubs.usgs.gov/pp/1987/1350/

Collection:

Monographs