Volcanic History and Stratigraphy of the Teide Volcanic Complex

Abstract

The Teide Volcanic Complex, comprising the Teide and Pico Viejo stratocones and the recent eruptives of the Northwest and Northeast rift zones, are a product of the latest eruptive cycle of the island of Tenerife. This cycle commenced with the lateral collapse of the island?s northern flank to form part of the Las Cañadas Caldera and the Icod Valley some 200 ka ago. A large set of recently obtained ages allows the precise reconstruction of the eruptive and structural evolution of this volcanic complex, aided by geological mapping and the establishment of an internally consistent chronostratigraphy. Abundant radiometric ages (K/Ar and 40Ar/39Ar), obtained not only from the older (shield stage) formations but also from the youngest Teide Volcanic Complex, have allowed, for the first time, a view of the island as an integrated temporal system, with Teide volcano at the culmination of the island?s several million year-long geological history.