The analysis of spatial distributions, origins of caldera-forming eruptions with basaltic-andesitic magma compositions, and genesis of Miocene ignimbrites of the Eastern volcanic belt, Kamchatka

Abstract

Based on the statistical data of the Global Volcanism Program of the Smithsonian Institution and published materials, we present a comparative analysis of caldera-forming eruptions on global scale. The geodynamic settings and genesis of the caldera-forming eruptions with basaltic-andesitic magma compositions are described. The origin of the majority of mafic ignimbrites was related with external water. Such ignimbrites were generated in a submarine environment or with a contact with water. The newly obtained data, paleogeodynamic reconstruction and geological mapping of Miocene mafic ignimbrites of the Eastern volcanic belt (EVB) of Kamchatka confirm their genesis in costal-marine environment. These new data show significance of paleoreconstructions in studies of paleo-volcanoes and relief-forming pyroclastic rocks.

Keywords

• basaltic-andesitic ignimbrites
• calderas
• submarine eruptions
• eastern volcanic belt
• kamchatka