Publication Date:
2017-03-09
Description:
The volcanic centers of Kos, Yali and Nisyros lie at the eastern edge of the Hellenic Volcanic
Arc. Recent swath bathymetric surveys and seismic profiling, conducted by HCMR, led to the discovery
of several submarine volcanic centers and massive underwater volcaniclastic deposits. Further research
aboard the E/V “Nautilus” was conducted at the area in October 2010. Avyssos crater, located northeast
of Strongyli islet, is believed to have been the original location of the massive eruption of Kos ignimbrite
160,000 years ago. Exploration of Avyssos showed that it the seafloor is mostly covered with fine-grained
sediment full with traces of bioturbation. Hydrothermal activity was not evident at any point. Yali and
Strongyli represent Late Pleistocene to Holocene volcanic islands that have developed between the islands
of Kos and Tilos. ROV exploration of the eastern flank of Yali revealed wave-type sediment structures, as
well as linear fractures at various depths. Several smaller craters were also discovered on the northwest
slopes of Strongyli, aligned with ENE-WSW trending fractures with no signs of hydrothermal activity.
Heavy biogenic encrustations cover the volcanic rock outcrops on the flanks of both Yali and Strongyli.
Analysis of recovered samples will provide information about their relationship to the geology of the
nearby islands.
Type:
Article
,
PeerReviewed
Format:
text
DOI:
10.1127/0372-8854/2013/S-00147
