Geomorphic and Structural Development of Hawaiian Submarine Rift Zones

摘要

The structure and morphology of Hawaiian submarine rift zones reflect the time-integrated effects of constructional volcanic processes, island subsidence, destructive gravitational slumping of unbuttressed volcano sides, and reef buildup and sedimentation. Structural modification of submarine rift flanks begins during initial stages of eruptive history and reaches a maximum during the shield-building stage. This process is exemplified by faults on the south submarine flank of Kilauea's east rift zone, debris slides like the Papau slide on the south flank of Hawaii, and large gravitational slump features, like the Kauna and Alika slides, on the southwest flank of Mauna Loa. The submarine northwest rift of Hualalai and Mauna Kea's submarine east rift have morphological characteristics indicating that their structural evolution is largely complete. (Reprints)