Crustal Structure and Magmatic System of Isla Socorro (eastern Pacific Ocean), Derived from the Interpretation of Geological–geophysical Data

Isla Socorro is an oceanic island located in the Eastern Pacific Ocean, at the junction of the Clarion Fracture Zone and Mathematician Ridge, approximately 600 km west of the Mexican coastline. Very little is known about the submarine portion of the island, but based on the oldest subaerial deposits, it is inferred to be primarily a basaltic shield cone. In this study, the subsurface structure of Isla Socorro was analysed based on an integration of geological and geophysical data. The geophysical data consist of high-resolution airborne magnetic data as well as an integration of terrestrial gravity and high-resolution satellite gravity. The study revealed important information about the composition, structure and origin of the volcanic edifice. The analysis and interpretation of the gravity and magnetic data indicate the existence of extensional systems associated to the principal tectonic structures of the Revillagigedo area. The horizontal gradient and Euler deconvolution of magnetic data reveal the presence of curved features interpreted as caldera structures. A central, vertically extensive body low in both density and magnetic susceptibility was identified through the 2D forward and 3D inverse modelling techniques. This body could represent a high-temperature zone above the Curie point, thus, we propose this body as a remnant magma reservoir and the source of the most recent volcanic activity from subaerial Socorro, and indicates that the possibility of a future large volume eruption from the summit cannot be ruled out.