Abstract
Analog modeling of volcanic cones traversed by strike-slip faulting was conducted, and the cones were analyzed for deformation characteristics. The study shows that symmetrical volcanoes that have undergone basal strike-slip offset may be deformed internally without manifesting any change in their conical shape. Volcanoes deformed by strike-slip faulting may already have well-developed fractures in their interior, yet still appear as a symmetrical cone, exhibiting concentric contours when viewed on a topographic map. Moreover, slight changes in the basal shape of the cone induced by strike-slip movement can be restored by the relatively faster resurfacing and reshaping processes from the deposition of younger eruptive products. These findings pose a subtle but significant point in the assessment of volcanic landslide hazards: not all perfect cones are undisturbed. The detection of concealed deformation is important because fractures induce further instability in volcanoes and act as slip planes during volcano-collapse events. There are many examples of symmetrical volcanoes in nature. The faultless appearance of such perfect cones can be misleading, which requires careful attention in hazards assessment.
