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Growth and erosion of volcanic islands since 1963 analyzed by multi-sensor satellite data and historical records

Simon Plank·Ronni Grapenthin·Hannah R. Dietterich·Ulrich Küeppers·Francesco Marchese·Nicola Pergola·Emanuele Ciancia·Nicola Genzano·Franz J. Meyer·Sandro Martinis·Hannes Taubenböck·Tobias Ullmann·Thomas J. Walter
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Abstract

Most volcanic activity is taking place in the oceans. Depending on water depth, eruption recurrence times and volumes, a new island can form. The power of erosional forces, the type of erupted material and the efficiency of secondary processes determine the island’s lifetime. Since the famous eruption of Surtsey (Iceland) in 1963, at least another 23 volcanic islands have appeared. Some islands remained intact for years or decades, whereas others disappeared within just weeks or months. In this study, we analyzed satellite data to determine growth and erosion rates of the volcanic edifices related to these 24 islands. We combined multi-sensor (optical, thermal, radar) satellite data time series with information from literature and the Global Volcanism Program database. We developed a comprehensive dataset, including 19 parameters, on the islands’ lifetime, shape, area, volume, eruption style and duration, environmental conditions, development of sedimentary deposits, and the geomorphic evolution of the island over time. Our dataset is available in a database format. This database allows us to test eight hypotheses about factors influencing the islands’ lifetime. Our results show that instead of one single critical factor, a combination of different factors influences the life history of volcanic islands. For instance, we show that larger islands do not necessarily live longer. The mechanical properties of the eruption products affect the island’s structural integrity. Irrespective of the material, a minimum initial area of around 50,000 m 2 seems to be a reasonable threshold to give the island a chance to exist longer.

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Simon Plank, Ronni Grapenthin, Hannah R. Dietterich, Ulrich Küeppers, Francesco Marchese, Nicola Pergola, Emanuele Ciancia, Nicola Genzano, Franz J. Meyer, Sandro Martinis, Hannes Taubenböck, Tobias Ullmann, Thomas J. Walter. 2026-05-25. Growth and erosion of volcanic islands since 1963 analyzed by multi-sensor satellite data and historical records. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00445-026-01987-5

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