Volcanism in Antarctica: 200 Million Years of Subduction, Rifting and Continental Break-up
CONTAINS OPEN ACCESS

This memoir is the first to review all of Antarctica's volcanism between 200 million years ago and the Present. The region is still volcanically active. The volume is an amalgamation of in-depth syntheses, which are presented within distinctly different tectonic settings. Each is described in terms of (1) the volcanology and eruptive palaeoenvironments; (2) petrology and origin of magma; and (3) active volcanism, including tephrochronology. Important volcanic episodes include: astonishingly voluminous mafic and felsic volcanic deposits associated with the Jurassic break-up of Gondwana; the construction and progressive demise of a major Jurassic to Present continental arc, including back-arc alkaline basalts and volcanism in a young ensialic marginal basin; Miocene to Pleistocene mafic volcanism associated with post-subduction slab-window formation; numerous Neogene alkaline volcanoes, including the massive Erebus volcano and its persistent phonolitic lava lake, that are widely distributed within and adjacent to one of the world's major zones of lithospheric extension (the West Antarctic Rift System); and very young ultrapotassic volcanism erupted subglacially and forming a world-wide type example (Gaussberg).
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Table of Contents
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Introduction
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Introduction to volcanism in Antarctica: 200 million years of subduction, rifting and continental break-upAuthor(s)John L. Smellie;John L. SmellieDepartment of Geography, Geology and the Environment, University of Leicester, Leicester LE1 7RH,UK
Correspondence: [email protected]
Search for other works by this author on:Kurt S. Panter;Kurt S. PanterSchool of Earth, Environment and Society, Bowling Green State University, Bowling Green, OH 43403,USASearch for other works by this author on:Adelina GeyerAdelina GeyerGeosciences Barcelona, GEO3BCN – CSIC, Lluis Solé i Sabaris s/n, 08028 Barcelona,SpainSearch for other works by this author on:
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Section 1: Tectonic history and overview
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Chapter 1.1 Tectonic history of Antarctica over the past 200 million yearsAuthor(s)Bryan C. Storey;Bryan C. StoreyGateway Antarctica, University of Canterbury, Christchurch 8041,New Zealand
Correspondence: [email protected]
Search for other works by this author on:Roi GranotRoi GranotDepartment of Geological and Environmental Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva 84105,IsraelSearch for other works by this author on: -
Chapter 1.2 Antarctic volcanism: volcanology and palaeoenvironmental overviewAuthor(s)John L. SmellieJohn L. SmellieSearch for other works by this author on:
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Chapter 1.3 Antarctic volcanism: petrology and tectonomagmatic overviewAuthor(s)Kurt Samuel PanterKurt Samuel PanterSearch for other works by this author on:
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Chapter 1.4 Antarctic volcanism: active volcanism overviewAuthor(s)A. GeyerA. GeyerSearch for other works by this author on:
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Section 2: Gondwana break-up volcanism
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Chapter 2.1a Ferrar Large Igneous Province: volcanologyAuthor(s)David H. Elliot;David H. ElliotSchool of Earth Sciences and Byrd Polar and Climate Research Center, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210,USA
Correspondence: [email protected]
Search for other works by this author on:James D. L. White;James D. L. WhiteGeology Department, University of Otago, PO Box 56, Dunedin,New ZealandSearch for other works by this author on:Thomas H. FlemingThomas H. FlemingDepartment of Earth Sciences, Southern Connecticut State University, New Haven, CT 06515,USASearch for other works by this author on: -
Chapter 2.1b Ferrar Large Igneous Province: petrologyAuthor(s)David H. Elliot;David H. ElliotSchool of Earth Sciences and Byrd Polar and Climate Research Center, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210,USADepartment of Earth Sciences, Southern Connecticut State University, New Haven, CT 06515,USA
Correspondence: [email protected]
Search for other works by this author on:Thomas. H. FlemingThomas. H. FlemingDepartment of Earth Sciences, Southern Connecticut State University, New Haven, CT 06515,USASearch for other works by this author on: -
Chapter 2.2a Palmer Land and Graham Land volcanic groups (Antarctic Peninsula): volcanologyAuthor(s)Teal R. Riley;Philip T. LeatPhilip T. LeatSearch for other works by this author on:
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Chapter 2.2b Palmer Land and Graham Land volcanic groups (Antarctic Peninsula): petrologyAuthor(s)Teal R. Riley;Philip T. LeatPhilip T. LeatSearch for other works by this author on:
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Chapter 2.3 Dronning Maud Land Jurassic volcanism: volcanology and petrologyAuthor(s)Arto V. LuttinenArto V. LuttinenSearch for other works by this author on:
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Section 3: Subduction-related volcanism
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Chapter 3.1a Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetland Islands: volcanologyAuthor(s)Philip T. Leat;Philip T. LeatBritish Antarctic Survey, High Cross, Madingley Road, Cambridge CB3 0ET,UKSchool of Geography, Geology and the Environment, University of Leicester, University Road, Leicester LE1 7RH,UK
Correspondence: [email protected]
Search for other works by this author on:Teal R. RileyTeal R. RileyBritish Antarctic Survey, High Cross, Madingley Road, Cambridge CB3 0ET,UKSearch for other works by this author on: -
Chapter 3.1b Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetland Islands: petrologyAuthor(s)Philip T. Leat;Philip T. LeatBritish Antarctic Survey, High Cross, Madingley Road, Cambridge CB3 0ET,UKSchool of Geography, Geology and the Environment, University of Leicester, University Road, Leicester LE1 7RH,UK
Correspondence: [email protected]
Search for other works by this author on:Teal R. RileyTeal R. RileyBritish Antarctic Survey, High Cross, Madingley Road, Cambridge CB3 0ET,UKSearch for other works by this author on: -
Chapter 3.2a Bransfield Strait and James Ross Island: volcanologyAuthor(s)John L. SmellieJohn L. SmellieSearch for other works by this author on:
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Chapter 3.2b Bransfield Strait and James Ross Island: petrologyAuthor(s)Karsten M. Haase;Christoph BeierChristoph BeierSearch for other works by this author on:
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Section 4: Post-subduction, slab-window volcanism
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Chapter 4.1a Antarctic Peninsula: volcanologyAuthor(s)John L. Smellie;John L. SmellieSchool of Geography, Geology and the Environment, University of Leicester, University Road, Leicester LE1 7RH,UK
Correspondence: [email protected]
Search for other works by this author on:Malcolm J. HoleMalcolm J. HoleDepartment of Geology and Petroleum Geology, University of Aberdeen, Meston Building, King's College, Aberdeen AB24 3UE,UKSearch for other works by this author on:
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Section 5: Continental extension-related volcanism
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Chapter 5.1a Northern Victoria Land: volcanologyAuthor(s)John L. Smellie;John L. SmellieSchool of Geography, Geology and the Environment, University of Leicester, University Road, Leicester LE1 7RH,UK
Correspondence: [email protected]
Search for other works by this author on:Sergio RocchiSergio RocchiDipartimento di Scienze della Terra, Universitá di Pisa, Via Santa Maria 53, I-56126 Pisa,ItalySearch for other works by this author on: -
Chapter 5.1b Northern Victoria Land: petrologyAuthor(s)S. Rocchi;S. RocchiDipartimento di Scienze della Terra, Università di Pisa, Via Santa Maria 53, I-56126 Pisa,Italy
Correspondence: [email protected]
Search for other works by this author on:J. L. SmellieJ. L. SmellieSchool of Geography, Geology and the Environment, University of Leicester, University Road, Leicester LE1 7RH,UKSearch for other works by this author on: -
Chapter 5.2a Erebus Volcanic Province: volcanologyAuthor(s)John L. Smellie;John L. SmellieSchool of Geography, Geology and the Environment, University of Leicester, University Road, Leicester LE1 7RH,UK
Correspondence: [email protected]
Search for other works by this author on:Adam P. MartinAdam P. MartinGNS Science, Private Bag 1930, Dunedin,New ZealandSearch for other works by this author on: -
Chapter 5.2b Erebus Volcanic Province: petrologyAuthor(s)Adam P. Martin;Adam P. MartinGNS Science, Private Bag 1930, Dunedin,New Zealand
Correspondence: [email protected]
Search for other works by this author on:Alan F. Cooper;Alan F. CooperDepartment of Geology, University of Otago, PO Box 56, Dunedin,New ZealandSearch for other works by this author on:Richard C. Price;Richard C. PriceScience and Engineering, University of Waikato, Hamilton,New ZealandSearch for other works by this author on:Philip R. Kyle;Philip R. KyleDepartment of Earth and Environmental Science, New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology, Socorro, NM 87801,USASearch for other works by this author on:John A. GambleJohn A. GambleSchool of Geography, Environment and Earth Sciences, Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington,New ZealandSchool of Biological, Earth and Environmental Science, University College Cork, Distillery Fields, North Mall, Cork,IrelandSearch for other works by this author on: -
Chapter 5.3a Mount Early and Sheridan Bluff: volcanologyAuthor(s)John L. Smellie;John L. SmellieSchool of Geography, Geology and the Environment, University of Leicester, University Road, Leicester LE1 7RH,UK
Correspondence: [email protected]
Search for other works by this author on:Kurt S. Panter;Kurt S. PanterDepartment of Geology, Bowling Green State University, Overman Hall, Bowling Green, OH 43403,USASearch for other works by this author on:Jenna ReindelJenna ReindelDepartment of Geology, Bowling Green State University, Overman Hall, Bowling Green, OH 43403,USASearch for other works by this author on: -
Chapter 5.3b Mount Early and Sheridan Bluff: petrologyAuthor(s)Kurt S. Panter;Kurt S. PanterSchool of Earth, Environment and Society, Bowling Green State University, Bowling Green, OH 43403,USA
Correspondence: [email protected]
Search for other works by this author on:Jenna Reindel;Jenna ReindelSchool of Earth, Environment and Society, Bowling Green State University, Bowling Green, OH 43403,USASearch for other works by this author on:John L. SmellieJohn L. SmellieDepartment of Geology, University of Leicester, Leicester LE1 7RH,UKSearch for other works by this author on: -
Chapter 5.4a Marie Byrd Land and Ellsworth Land: volcanologyAuthor(s)T. I. Wilch;T. I. WilchDepartment of Geology, Albion College, 611 East Porter Street, Albion, MI 49224,USA
Correspondence: [email protected]
Search for other works by this author on:W. C. McIntosh;W. C. McIntoshNew Mexico Bureau of Geology and Mineral Resources, New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology, 801 Leroy Place, Socorro, NM 87801,USASearch for other works by this author on:K. S. PanterK. S. PanterSchool of Earth, Environment and Society, Bowling Green State University, Bowling Green, OH 43403,USASearch for other works by this author on: -
Chapter 5.4b Marie Byrd Land and Ellsworth Land: petrologyAuthor(s)K. S. Panter;K. S. PanterSchool of Earth, Environment and Society, Bowling Green State University, Bowling Green, OH 43403,USA
Correspondence: [email protected]
Search for other works by this author on:T. I. Wilch;T. I. WilchDepartment of Geological Sciences, Albion College, Albion, MI 49224,USASearch for other works by this author on:J. L. Smellie;J. L. SmellieSchool of Geography, Geology and the Environment, University of Leicester, Leicester LE1 7RH,UKSearch for other works by this author on:P. R. Kyle;P. R. KyleDepartment of Earth and Environmental Sciences, New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology, Socorro, NM 87801,USASearch for other works by this author on:W. C. McIntoshW. C. McIntoshNew Mexico Bureau of Geology and Mineral Resources, New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology, Socorro, NM 87801,USASearch for other works by this author on: -
Chapter 5.5 Gaussberg: volcanology and petrologyAuthor(s)J. L. Smellie;J. L. SmellieSchool of Geography, Geology and the Environment, University of Leicester, University Road, Leicester LE1 7RH,UK
Correspondence: [email protected]
Search for other works by this author on:K. D. CollersonK. D. CollersonSchool of Earth and Environmental Studies, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072,AustraliaSearch for other works by this author on:
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Section 6: Tephra record
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Chapter 6.1 Marine record of Antarctic volcanism from drill coresAuthor(s)Massimo Pompilio
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Chapter 6.2 Englacial tephras of East AntarcticaAuthor(s)Biancamaria Narcisi;Biancamaria NarcisiENEA Centro Ricerche Casaccia, Via Anguillarese 301, Santa Maria di Galeria, I-00123 Rome,Italy
Correspondence: [email protected]
Search for other works by this author on:Jean Robert PetitJean Robert PetitGeosciences de l'Environment (IGE), CNRS, IRD, University Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble F-38000 Grenoble,FranceSearch for other works by this author on:
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Section 7: Active volcanoes
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Chapter 7.1 Deception IslandAuthor(s)A. Geyer;A. GeyerGeosciences Barcelona, GEO3BCN - CSIC, Lluis Sole i Sabaris s/n, 08028 Barcelona,Spain
Correspondence: [email protected]
Search for other works by this author on:D. Pedrazzi;D. PedrazziGeosciences Barcelona, GEO3BCN - CSIC, Lluis Sole i Sabaris s/n, 08028 Barcelona,SpainSearch for other works by this author on:J. Almendros;J. AlmendrosAndalusian Institute of Geophysics, University of Granada, Granada,SpainSearch for other works by this author on:M. Berrocoso;M. BerrocosoLaboratory of Astronomy, Geodesy and Cartography, Department of Mathematics, Faculty of Sciences, University of Cádiz, 11510 Puerto Real (Cádiz),SpainInstituto Universitario de Investigación Marina (INMAR), Universidad de Cádiz, Campus de Excelencia Internacional del Mar (CEIMAR), Campus Universitario de Puerto Real, 11510 Puerto Real, Cádiz,SpainSearch for other works by this author on:J. López-Martínez;J. López-MartínezDepartment of Geology and Geochemistry, Faculty of Sciences, University Autónoma of Madrid, 28049 Madrid,SpainSearch for other works by this author on:A. Maestro;A. MaestroGeological and Mining Institute of Spain, C/Calera, 1, 28760 Tres Cantos, Madrid,SpainSearch for other works by this author on:E. Carmona;E. CarmonaAndalusian Institute of Geophysics, University of Granada, Granada,SpainSearch for other works by this author on:A. M. Álvarez-Valero;A. M. Álvarez-ValeroDepartment of Geology, University of Salamanca, 37008 Salamanca,SpainSearch for other works by this author on:A. de GilA. de GilLaboratory of Astronomy, Geodesy and Cartography, Department of Mathematics, Faculty of Sciences, University of Cádiz, 11510 Puerto Real (Cádiz),SpainInstituto Universitario de Investigación Marina (INMAR), Universidad de Cádiz, Campus de Excelencia Internacional del Mar (CEIMAR), Campus Universitario de Puerto Real, 11510 Puerto Real, Cádiz,SpainSearch for other works by this author on: -
Chapter 7.2 Mount ErebusAuthor(s)Kenneth W. W. Sims;Kenneth W. W. SimsDepartment of Geology and Geophysics, University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY 82071,USA
Correspondence: [email protected]
Search for other works by this author on:Richard C. Aster;Richard C. AsterDepartment of Geosciences, Warner College of Natural Resources, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523,USASearch for other works by this author on:Glenn Gaetani;Glenn GaetaniDepartment of Geology and Geophysics, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Woods Hole, MA 02543,USASearch for other works by this author on:Janne Blichert-Toft;Janne Blichert-ToftLaboratoire de Géologie de Lyon, Ecole Normale Supérieure de Lyon, CNRS UMR 5276, Université de Lyon, 46 Allée d'Italie, 69007 Lyon,FranceSearch for other works by this author on:Erin H. Phillips;Erin H. PhillipsDepartment of Geology and Geophysics, University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY 82071,USACenter for Economic Geology Research, University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY 82071,USASearch for other works by this author on:Paul J. Wallace;Paul J. WallaceDepartment of Earth Sciences, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR 97403,USASearch for other works by this author on:Glen S. Mattioli;Glen S. MattioliUNAVCO, Inc., 6350 Nautilus Drive, Boulder, CO 80301-5554,USASearch for other works by this author on:Dan Rasmussen;Dan RasmussenLamont-Doherty Earth Observatory, Columbia University, Palisades, NY 10964,USASearch for other works by this author on:Eric S. BoydEric S. BoydDepartment of Microbiology and Immunology, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT 59717,USASearch for other works by this author on: -
Chapter 7.3 Mount Melbourne and Mount RittmannAuthor(s)Salvatore Gambino;Salvatore GambinoIstituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia, Osservatorio Etneo, Piazza Roma 2, 95123 Catania,Italy
Correspondence: [email protected]
Search for other works by this author on:Pietro Armienti;Pietro ArmientiDipartimento di Scienze della Terra, Università degli Studi di Pisa, Via S. Maria 53, 56126 Pisa,ItalySearch for other works by this author on:Andrea Cannata;Andrea CannataIstituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia, Osservatorio Etneo, Piazza Roma 2, 95123 Catania,ItalyDipartimento di Scienze Biologiche, Geologiche e Ambientali–Sezione di Scienze della Terra, Università degli Studi di Catania, Catania,ItalySearch for other works by this author on:Paola Del Carlo;Paola Del CarloIstituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia, Sezione di Pisa, C. Battisti 53, 56125 Pisa,ItalySearch for other works by this author on:Gaetano Giudice;Gaetano GiudiceIstituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia, Osservatorio Etneo, Piazza Roma 2, 95123 Catania,ItalySearch for other works by this author on:Giovanni Giuffrida;Giovanni GiuffridaIstituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia, Sezione di Palermo, Via Ugo La Malfa 153, 90146 Palermo,ItalySearch for other works by this author on:Marco Liuzzo;Marco LiuzzoIstituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia, Sezione di Palermo, Via Ugo La Malfa 153, 90146 Palermo,ItalySearch for other works by this author on:Massimo PompilioMassimo PompilioIstituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia, Sezione di Pisa, C. Battisti 53, 56125 Pisa,ItalySearch for other works by this author on: -
Chapter 7.4 Active volcanoes in Marie Byrd LandAuthor(s)N. W. Dunbar;N. W. DunbarNew Mexico Bureau of Geology and Mineral Resources, New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology, Socorro, NM 87801,USA
Correspondence: [email protected]
Search for other works by this author on:N. A. Iverson;N. A. IversonNew Mexico Bureau of Geology and Mineral Resources, New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology, Socorro, NM 87801,USASearch for other works by this author on:J. L. Smellie;J. L. SmellieSchool of Geography, Geology and the Environment, University of Leicester, University Road, Leicester LE1 7RH,UKSearch for other works by this author on:W. C. McIntosh;W. C. McIntoshNew Mexico Bureau of Geology and Mineral Resources, New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology, Socorro, NM 87801,USASearch for other works by this author on:M. J. Zimmerer;M. J. ZimmererNew Mexico Bureau of Geology and Mineral Resources, New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology, Socorro, NM 87801,USASearch for other works by this author on:P. R. KyleP. R. KyleEarth and Environmental Science Department, New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology, 801 Leroy Place, Socorro, NM 87801,USASearch for other works by this author on: -
Chapter 7.5 Active subglacial volcanism in West AntarcticaAuthor(s)Enrica Quartini;Enrica QuartiniUniversity of Texas Institute for Geophysics, Jackson School of Geosciences, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712,USAPresent address:EQ, School of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences,Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30318,USADepartment of Geological Sciences, Jackson School of Geosciences, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712,USASearch for other works by this author on:Donald D. Blankenship;Donald D. BlankenshipUniversity of Texas Institute for Geophysics, Jackson School of Geosciences, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712,USAPresent address:EQ, School of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences,Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30318,USASearch for other works by this author on:Duncan A. YoungDuncan A. YoungUniversity of Texas Institute for Geophysics, Jackson School of Geosciences, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712,USAPresent address:EQ, School of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences,Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30318,USA
Correspondence: [email protected]
Search for other works by this author on:
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