Geodynamics and volcanism in the kos-yali-nisyros volcanic field

Abstract

This chapter encompasses a short review on the general aspects of the geodynamics in the southeast Aegean region, in the context of the plate convergence between the African plate and the Anatolian and Aegean microplates. Southeast-ward subduction of oceanic lithosphere and crust of a remnant Thethys ocean beneath the microplates are responsible for the generation of magmatism and volcanism during the past 5 million years. This formed the South Aegean Volcanic Arc and in particular the Kos-Yali-Nisyros-Tilos volcanic field in the southeast corner. The chapter mostly deals with the description of morphotectonic structures, obtained from a combination of onshore and offshore data, generated during numerous cruises since the European GEOWARN project seventeen years ago. The cruises focussed on a precise bathymetric exploration to determine the seafloor morphology with its young sedimentary cover, submarine volcanic features and fault zones within the different basins, troughs and horsts. Geological outlines and maps are given for all volcanic eruptive centers: Kos Island and the distribution of the 161,000 years old Kos Plateau Tuff, Nisyros Volcano, Yali Island, Strongyli Volcano, Avyssos submarine crater, the volcanic islet Pergousa and Pachia and the Kondelioussa islet.