Basal complex of Fuerteventura (Canary Islands) is an oceanic intrusive complex with rift-system affinities

Abstract

THE exposed portions of the Canary Islands largely comprise Cainozoic volcanic rocks erupted sub-aerially in successions essentially specific to each island, though with somewhat complex interrelationships¹. On three islands, Fuerteventura, La Palma, and Gomera these rocks rest unconformably on older formations which are similar enough to suggest that a common basement may exist. The largest area of the basement complex rocks is the Betancuria Massif^2–4, Fuerteventura. Gastesi⁴ has suggested that similarities exist between the Betancuria Massif and other ophiolite complexes (such as the Troodos Massif of Cyprus^5,6) generally held to be representative of oceanic crust formed at certain constructive plate margins.