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
Geology of Saint Pierre and Miquelon Geology of Saint Pierre and Miquelon The geology of Saint Pierre and Miquelon is part of the 680 to 550 million year old, late Proterozoic Avalon Zone, a part of the Canadian Appalachians. The oldest rocks are 615 million year old metasedimentary and metavolcanic rocks, intruded by diorite and trondhjemite in the Cap de Miquelon Group. The metamorphic rocks are descended from an earlier volcanic arc-marine platform, rather than more ancient basement rock from the Avalonian microcontinent. The St. Pierre Group formed 581 million years ago with felsic and pyroclastic flows. Together with mafic rocks and andesite, they are evidence