Pre-caldera Pyroclastic deposits of Deception Island (South Shetland Islands)

Abstract

The youngest pre-caldera volcanism of Deception Island is represented by a thick sequence of subaerial pyroclastic deposits which has been grouped as the Yellow Tuff Formation. Most of these deposits were related to the explosive activity of a central vent which was destroyed during the formation of the caldera. Two members can be distinguished in this formation. The lower member is mainly composed of 1 to 12 m thick massive pyroclastic flow deposits with interbedded air-fall and surge deposits. The upper member is in stratigraphical continuity with the lower member and consists of base surge deposits with minor air-fall and thin pyroclastic flow deposits. The pre-caldera deposits have undergone a palagonitic alteration which produced crystallization of smectites, Fe-oxides, zeolites and calcite.