The channel between Gran Canaria and Tenerife: constructive processes and destructive events during the evolution of volcanic islands

The 2011–2012 submarine eruption off El Hierro, Canary Islands: New lessons in oceanic island growth and volcanic crisis management

“…With respect to the observed patterns of seismicity in and around the Canaries, the hotspot model appears more plausible, because the frequent Gaussian-distributed point-source seismicity is inconsistent with the linearly arranged hypocentres observed in fault-controlled seismic regions (Ito et al, 1995;Borges et al, 2007;Larrea et al, 2014). Furthermore, no evidence has been found for the existence of a major fault connecting the Atlas with the Canaries in any detailed geophysical study of the Canary archipelago (Watts, 1994;Funck et al, 1996;Watts et al, 1997;Urgelés et al, 1998;Krastel et al, 2001;Krastel and Schmincke, 2002;Martínez and Buitrago, 2002). Lastly, sustained seismicity like in the area between Tenerife and Gran Canaria over such a long interval of time (> 23 years, Fig.…”

“…6), which is indicative of a point-source, such as a volcanic conduit (cf. Krastel et al, 2002;Carracedo et al, 2011a,b). Indeed, these epicentres ( Fig.…”

Morphological and structural analysis in the Anaga offshore massif, Canary Islands: fractures and debris avalanches relationships

“…A submarine canyon has carved the sediments following the linear layout of the fault scarp. This canyon was also recognized by Krastel et al (2001) and Krastel and Schmincke (2002), who mapped the Güimar Scarp on land but didn't interpret a debris avalanche scarp offshore.…”

“…The total extension of the avalanche in Gran Canaria-Tenerife channel has been mapped by Krastel and Schmincke (2002) and by Acosta et al (this issue). They interpreted Güimar Valley as the source area for the avalanche deposits of this area, and our results point to the same conclusion.…”

“…Also, in ADA we have recognized at least four isolated seamounts, with diameters 800 and 1700 m, and heights between 140 and 350 m. Their size and shape in the resolution of our data is enough to be differentiated from exotic blocks. Other authors studying the hummocky terrain in the channel between Gran Canaria and Tenerife (Krastel and Schmincke, 2002) interpreted the large, isolated blocks as volcanic morphologies and the large number of small highs concentrated in an area as exotic blocks. Our interpretation seems to fit well with the conclusions of Krastel and Schmincke.…”