Stress interaction between rift zones and unstable flanks on ocean island volcanoes

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The development of large volcanic edifices is affected by the coupling of intrusive rift zones and flank movement. Complete understanding of the dimension and dynamics of an unstable flank may hence allow conceiving the geometric extent of rift zones, and vice versa. The aim of this project is to create a unifying model that describes the geometric and dynamic interactions of rift zones and deforming volcano flanks. The working plan encompasses three phases. The first phase is the compilation and analysis of a GIS-database for the islands of Hawaii, La Réunion and El Hierro in order to geometrically characterize their rift zones und unstable flanks. In the second phase we will perform analog experiments to identify the principal mechanisms of deformation during rifting and flank movement. In the third phase we will use numerical models to quantitatively study static stress changes associated with rift intrusions and flank movement. A final combination of all the obtained data in the GIS-system shall yield a better understanding of the geometric and dynamic coupling of rift zones and unstable flanks at Hawaii, La Réunion and El Hierro, and at ocean island volcanoes in general.