Recent explosive volcanic episodes on the Island of Kos (Greece): associated hydrothermal parageneses and geothermal area of Volcania

Altered xenoliths in the 0.25-0.12 Myr non-welded ignimbrite deposits of the Island of Kos (Greece) provide evidence for a hydrothermal convective system in the basement complex. The conjunction of a potential heat source, high-temperature hydrothermal parageneses, permeable and porous bedded formations, continuing tectonic phenomena and successive fracturing and possible access by sea-waters, argues for a favourable geothermal potential. The hydrothermal area of Volcania, where mineralized and sometimes degassing waters circulate, could be regarded as a zone of lateral leakage from the hydrothermal convective system, which developed above the cooling magma chamber.