The effect of changing regional tectonics on an arc volcano: Methana, Greece

Pliocene domes of phase A were emplaced on N-S-striking listric faults during regional E-W extension. Onset of NE-SW faulting, arguably crustal scale and strike slip in character, led to the eruption of the least evolved rocks of phase C. Thereafter, E-W-striking faults controlled the location of volcanism. Volcanism in phases F and G was particularly voluminous and was synchronous with the onset of steep normal faulting in the Gulf of Corinth, 150 km west of Methana. These steep faults cross-cut older, lower angle, listric faults. It is times of changes in regional fault patterns, as in phases C, F and G, that have the greatest influence on the eruptive style and abundance of volcanic products.