Multitechnique Geochronology of Intrusive and Explosive Activity on Piton des Neiges Volcano, Réunion Island

A groundbreaking multitechnique geochronology study of Piton des Neiges volcano on Réunion Island has revealed that the volcanic island's growth occurs in pulses at the beginning of renewed volcanism. This research, using a combination of zircon U-Pb, phlogopite 40Ar/39Ar, and (U-Th)/He dating techniques, provides precise timing for major plutonic, metamorphic, and explosive events that were previously ill-constrained. Key findings include the dating of a major Plinian eruption at 188.2 ± 10.4 ka, coinciding with caldera formation, and the last eruption of Piton des Neiges at 27 ka, revising earlier estimates. The study underscores the importance of diversified dating techniques in assessing the timing and recurrence of basaltic volcanic activity, with significant implications for hazard prediction.

Famin, V., Paquez, C., Danišík, M., Gardiner, N. J., Michon, L., Kirkland, C. L., Berthod, C., Friedrichs, B., Schmitt, A. K., & Monié, P. (2022). Multitechnique Geochronology of Intrusive and Explosive Activity on Piton des Neiges Volcano, Réunion Island. Geochemistry, Geophysics, Geosystems, 23(5). Portico. https://doi.org/10.1029/2021gc010214