Argo Point (scoria cone)

Argo Point is a scoria cone in Jason Peninsula, Antarctica, at a height of 360 metres (1,180 ft) above sea level.[1] Associated with the Seal Nunataks, the cone has a diameter of 300 metres (980 ft) and its snow-filled crater has a gap on its northern side. The cone is constructed on a formation of lava and scoria over 175 metres (574 ft) thick, which may lie on Jurassic rocks.[2][3]

Argo Point
Highest point
Elevation360 m (1,180 ft)
Coordinates66.25°S 60.92°W / -66.25; -60.92[1]
Geography
LocationJason Peninsula, Antarctica
Parent rangeSeal Nunataks
Geology
Mountain typeVolcanic vent

Potassium-argon dating has indicated ages of 1.4-0.9 mya.[1] The cone is constructed from basalt and hawaiite including lava bombs in its sides.[2] Similar to Seal Nunataks and James Ross Island the rocks of Argo Point are ocean island basalts. This volcanism may be the consequence of back-arc effects of subduction along the South Shetland trench.[4]

See also

References
  1. "Argo Point". Global Volcanism Program. Smithsonian Institution.
  2. Smellie, J. L. (1990). "D. Graham Land and South Shetland Islands". Antarctic Research Series: Volcanoes of the Antarctic Plate and Southern Oceans. Antarctic Research Series. 48: 352. doi:10.1029/AR048p0302. ISBN 0-87590-172-7.
  3. Smellie, J.L. (6 May 2004). "Lithostratigraphy of Miocene–Recent, alkaline volcanic fields in the Antarctic Peninsula and eastern Ellsworth Land". Antarctic Science. 11 (3): 362–378. doi:10.1017/S0954102099000450. S2CID 55742698.
  4. Jordan, T.A.; Ferraccioli, F.; Jones, P.C.; Smellie, J.L.; Ghidella, M.; Corr, H. (2007). "High-resolution airborne gravity imaging over James Ross Island (West Antarctica)" (PDF). U.S. Geological Survey and the National Academies. Open-File Report. doi:10.3133/ofr20071047SRP060. Retrieved 28 May 2016.
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