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Tube-fed pahoehoe lava-flow features of Azorella Peninsula, Heard Island, southern Indian Ocean

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  27 October 2009

Kevin Kiernan
Affiliation:
Geomorphology and Quaternary Science Research Unit, Department of Geography and Environmental Science, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
Anne McConnell
Affiliation:
Geomorphology and Quaternary Science Research Unit, Department of Geography and Environmental Science, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
Tony Yates
Affiliation:
34 Orangedale Road, Lesmurdie, Western Australia 6076, Australia

Abstract

Azorella Peninsula on Heard Island in the sub-Antarctic comprises basaltic scoria that is overlain by basalt flows. Typical tube-fed pahoehoe flows characteristic of some Hawaiian-type volcanoes occur. The volcanic landforms of the peninsula include highly degraded volcano remnants and undissected scoria cones, pahoehoe flows, lava rises, tumuli, open vertical volcanic conduits, and lava tubes. Features produced by lava inflation are widespread but are generally of low topographic relief. Many detailed lava-flow features are preserved in dramatically fresh condition within the protected environment of lava tubes. They highlight the efficacy of the lava tubes in maintaining high temperatures and low viscosity of the flowing lava. The lava tubes on Heard Island are the only features of their kind hitherto recorded from Antarctic and sub-Antarctic latitudes.

Type
Articles
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1998

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