Bimodal volcanism Bimodal volcanism Bimodal volcanism is the eruption of both mafic and felsic lavas from a single volcanic centre with little or no lavas of intermediate composition. This type of volcanism is normally associated with areas of extensional tectonics, particularly rifts. Most occurrences of bimodal volcanism are associated with thinning of the crust and the presence of such rocks in metamorphic sequences has been used to provide evidence for past rifting events. Most examples come from areas of active continental rifting such as the Basin and Range Province. Bimodal volcanism has also been described from areas of transtension, the early phases
Archean felsic volcanic rocks is an ancient stable continental block. Also, a craton has survived from plate tectonics that pull apart, collide or tear continents. On average, the felsic volcanic rocks only contribute to ~15-20% in volcanic rocks of greenstone belts. "See Figure 2 and Table 1 for Examples of Archean felsic volcanic rocks occurrence." All Archean felsic volcanic rocks are distributed in greenstone belts. In Archean cratons, greenstone belts represent supracrustal rocks formed at the Earth's surface and the belts are dominated by volcano-sedimentary sequences. Some volcanic sequences can be several kilometers thick, such as the Warrawoona Group of Eastern Pibara Craton. However,