Geomorphology and volcaniclastic deposits around Dokdo: Dokdo caldera

Abstract

Detailed investigations on both submarine and subaerial volcaniclastic deposits around Dokdo were carried out to identify geomorphologic characteristics, stratigraphy, and associated depositional processes of Dokdo caldera. Dokdo volcano has a gently sloping summit (about 11 km in diameter) and relatively steep slope (basal diameter is about 20-25 km) rising above sea level at about 2,270 m. We found ragged, elliptical-form of Dokdo caldera with a diameter of about 2 km estimated by Chirp (3-11 kHz) sub-bottom profile data and side scan sonar data for the central summit area of Dokdo volcano. We interpreted that the volcaniclastic deposits of Dokdo unconformably consist of the Seodo (west islet) and the Dongdo (east islet) formations based on internal structure, constituent mineral composition, and bedding morphology. The Seodo Formation mainly consisted of massive or inversely graded trachytic breccias (Unit S-I), overlain by fine-grained tuff (Unit S-II), which is probably supplied by mass-wasting processes resulting from Dokdo caldera collapse. The Dongdo Formation consists of alternated units of stratified lapilli tuff and inversely graded basaltic breccia (Unit D-I, Unit D-III, and Unit D-V), and massive to undulatory-bedded basaltic tuff breccias (Unit D-II and Unit D-IV) formed by a repetitive pyroclastic surge and reworking processes. Although, two islets of Dokdo are geographically near each other, they have different formations reflecting their different depositional processes and eruptive stages.