Publications

We report evidence for ongoing lateral slump of part of the southeastern flank of the Pico volcanic ridge in the Azores. Data from a high-resolution digital elevation model, field work, GPS, and radar interferometry show that: (1) the slumping sector is several cubic kilometers in size; (2) the structure involves several curved scars with normal fault kinematics; (3) the central part is undergoing little horizontal displacement toward the southeast (1.6 ± 1.3 mm/yr), but significant downward movement (5–12 mm/yr); and (4) the outer part of the southeastern flank of Pico is subsiding faster than the inner parts; this likely reflects recent individualization of a steep seaward-dipping fault in the moving mass. The slump shares similarities with active slumps recognized elsewhere, although the studied area may represent only the proximal part of a much larger complex potentially affecting the deep submarine base of the island. Displacement of the subaerial part of the southeastern flank of Pico seems to be accommodated by the movement and rotation of large blocks along listric normal faults.