Characterisation of widespread Pumice Fall Deposits within the
Guajara Eruption Cluster (~0.88 – 0.6 Ma), Tenerife, Canary Islands

Abstract

This study characterises 14 previously undescribed pumice fall deposits within the Guajara Eruption Cluster (0.88-0.6 Ma) on Tenerife, Canary Islands. Detailed fieldwork and laboratory analysis were conducted on deposits in the Fasnia region surrounding the 0.738 Ma Eras Formation. Ten of the deposits represent thin, massive, pumice-rich lapilli
beds from small-volume Plinian eruptions with limited dispersal (La Linde, Honduras, Aguerche, Jurado, El Escobonal, Arco, Carretas, El Rincon, Vigas, and Gambuesa). The remaining deposits (Mena, Zarza, Icor, and Sombrera) show more complex eruptive sequences with variations in eruption intensity and column height. The Zarza Formation is the most widespread deposit identified, with a volume comparable to the ignimbrite forming La Caleta eruption. The Eras Formation has been correlated to the previously distinct Moradas Formation, representing a larger eruption than previously recognised. Grain size, componentry, and dispersal data are presented for several key deposits. The identification of these numerous pumice fall deposits increases our understanding of eruption frequencies on Tenerife. This study suggests the likelihood of additional unidentified Plinian deposits on Tenerife and highlights the complex eruptive history of the Las Cañadas caldera.