A SeaMARC II survey of recent submarine volcanism near Easter Island

• DOI: 10.1007/bf02428200
• Publication Date: 2006-07-27T04:25:30Z
• Authors: Rick A. Hagen; Nancy A. Baker; David F. Naar; R. N. Hey
• Keywords: Submarine volcano; Seafloor Spreading; Seamount; Subaerial; Lava field; Volcanic plateau; Shield volcano

SeaMARC II side-scan sonar data reveal that a large area of seafloor north and west of Easter Island has been disrupted by recent submarine volcanism. A large volcanic area begins approximately 60 km WNW of the island and extends for over 130 km to the west. The volcanic field is characterized by high backscatter intensity in the side-scan sonar records and is elevated 400–1000 m above the N-S seafloor fabric that surrounds it. This field, the Abu Volcanic Field, covers at least 2500 km2 and appears to consist of recent lava flows and small volcanoes. Backscatter intensity of the Abu Volcanic Field is similar to that of the adjacent ridge flank which is less than 0.4 Ma, suggesting a similar age for its formation.