Eruptive activity of the Santorini Volcano controlled by sea-level rise and fall

Sea-level change is thought to influence the frequencies of volcanic eruptions on glacial interglacial timescales. However, underlying physical processes and their importance relative other influences (for example, magma recharge rates) remain poorly understood. Here we compare an approximately 360-kyr-long record effusive explosive from flooded caldera volcano at Santorini (Greece) with a high-resolution sea-level spanning last four glacial–interglacial cycles. Numerical modelling shows that when sea level falls by 40 m below present-day level, induced tensile stresses in roof chamber trigger dyke injections. As continues fall ?70 or ?80 m, stress spreads throughout so some dykes reach surface feed eruptions. Similarly, activity gradually disappears after rises above ?40 m. Synchronizing Santorini’s stratigraphy using tephra layers marine sediment cores 208 out 211 (both explosive) occurred during periods constrained (below m) subsequent rises, suggesting strong absolute control timing Santorini—a result probably applies many islands around world. lowstands over 360,000 years strongly controlled Volcano, according analysis tephras records, as well numerical chamber.