Publication Date:
2015-08-02
Description:
The Big Pine volcanic field is one of several Quaternary volcanic fields that poses a potential volcanic hazard along the tectonically active Owens Valley of east-central California, and whose lavas are interbedded with deposits from Pleistocene glaciations in the Sierra Nevada range. Previous geochronology indicates an ∼1.2 Ma history of volcanism, but the eruption ages and distribution of volcanic products associated with the most-recent eruptions are poorly resolved. To delimit the timing and products of the youngest volcanism, we combine field mapping and cosmogenic 36 Cl dating of basaltic lava flows in the area where lavas with youthful morphology and well-preserved flow structures are concentrated. Field mapping and petrology reveal approximately fifteen vents and six principal flow units with variable geochemical composition and mineralogy. Cosmogenic 36 Cl exposure ages for lava flow units from the top, middle, and bottom of the volcanic stratigraphy indicate eruptions at ca. 17 ka, 27 ka, and 40 ka, revealing several different and previously unrecognized episodes of late Pleistocene volcanism. Olivine to plagioclase-pyroxene phyric basalt erupted from several vents during the most recent episode of volcanism at ca. 17 ka, and produced a lava flow field covering ∼ 35 km 2 . The late Pleistocene 36 Cl exposure ages indicate that moraine and pluvial shoreline deposits that overly or modify the youngest Big Pine lavas reflect Tioga stage glaciation in the Sierra Nevada and the shore of Owens Lake during the last glacial cycle. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Electronic ISSN:
1525-2027
Topics:
Chemistry and Pharmacology
,
Geosciences
,
Physics
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