The Holocene volcanism of Gran Canaria (Canary Islands, Spain)

Abstract

This work presents the first detailed map of the Holocene eruptions of Gran Canaria (Canary Islands, Spain). It provides complete and detailed information for all 24 Holocene eruptions of Gran Canaria, improving the knowledge of this recent volcanism and the assessment of volcanic hazards on the island. This map is a synthesis of collated and interpreted field data and topographic maps. We have integrated information obtained from: (1) detailed geological field surveys, (2) morphometric analysis of eruptive deposits, (3) high-resolution digital elevation models, and (4) aerial photographs.

Geotechnics for rockfall assessment in the volcanic island of Gran Canaria (Canary Islands, Spain)

“…The most abundant classes are hard rocks and very hard rocks, which represent 67% of the territory. The soft materials, soils and soft rocks mainly outcrop in the eastern part of the island, where recent volcanism (Holocene) and sedimentary deposits are located (Rodriguez-Gonzalez et al, 2018). The geotechnical map provides a synoptic overview at regional scale; for local and detailed studies, detailed in-situ analysis has to be performed.…”

“…The island of Gran Canaria (1560 km 2 ) is approximately circular in shape (with a diameter of 45 km) with a maximum elevation of 1950 m at Pico de las Nieves, in the middle of the island (see Main Map). This configuration led to the formation of a set of dense radial networks of deep ravines, forming a rugged topography with a mean slope angle of 22° ( Rodriguez-Gonzalez et al, 2018). Large cliffs dominate the coastline, highlighting the rugged south and western coast (Figure 1).…”

“…The SW part of the island is older, formed by Miocene volcanites, whereas the younger Plio-Quaternary lavas outcrop in the NE portion where the rejuvenation volcanism, referred to the Bandama caldera (∼2000 years old), took place. The Miocene Tejeda caldera (500 km 2 in surface) dominates the central-western part of the island with a relevant volume of associated ignimbrites (Hoernle & Carracedo, 2009;Rodriguez-Gonzalez et al, 2018).…”

“…The island of Gran Canaria (Canary Islands, Spain) is a steep volcanic relief characterized by numerous deep radial ravines and a very abrupt coastline with high cliffs (Menéndez et al, 2008 and see Main Map). The geological context of the island reflects its volcanic evolution resulting in large variability of igneous rocks resulting from the built-up process of an intraplate oceanic island (Rodriguez-Gonzalez et al, 2018). Due to the geological and geomorphological characteristics, rockfalls are frequent and represent one of the most relevant natural hazards of the island (Barredo et al, 2000;Sarro et al, 2017).…”

Endemics Versus Newcomers: The Ladybird Beetle (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) Fauna of Gran Canaria

“…Of nearly circular shape, the island is elevated to 1950 m a.s.l. at its highest point (Pico de las Nieves) [ 21 ]. The vegetation of Gran Canaria includes a wide range of habitats, such as coastal dunes, scrub vegetation with Euphorbia spp., or pine forests with Pinus canariensis D. Smith.…”