The role of basement in volcano deformation

Growing volcanoes load their basements, causing isostatic flexure, compaction and brittle and ductile deformation. Deformation of basement in turn exerts stress onto the edifice, which also responds by deforming. This deformation will be gradual or catastrophic, depending on the nature of the cone, and the properties of the underlying rocks. The physical properties of substratum, most especially the viscosity, can vary greatly. Thus a substratum of lava will support a volcano to a greater extent than fine clastic rocks. Compaction, crustal flexure, and sagging (a result of viscous flow of substratum) create a depression below the volcano. In the cone this induces compression, which increases with increasing sagging. However over long time spans, or in low viscosity substratum, sagging generates volcano spreading, where elastic compression is relaxed. The role of basement in volcano stability at four Nicaraguan stratocones 1.5-2 km high, constructed of similar materials on three types of basement has been studied. San Cristobal volcano has a volcanic basement of lava and ignimbrite, which has sagged by small amounts. Mombacho volcano has a basement of volcanic and marine strata. Sagging occurs, but spreading is slow. Compressive stresses have been released in the cone by thrust faulting. These structures have probably been exploited by three sector collapses. Concepcion and Maderas volcanoes rest on sedimentary strata of weak mudstones, and large amounts of sagging and spreading have occurred. The study shows that spreading promotes gradual deformation in the volcano, because slopes are reduced and stresses relaxed. Catastrophic failure is favoured when compression is dominant, because stresses are large enough to fracture rock and produce decollements. Fracturing also promotes hydrothermal circulation, which further weakens the construct.