Abstract:
A new approach toward understanding the mechanical behaviour of intraplate volcanoes is offered by fisrt postulating a geological model of internal structure and the developing an axisymmetric numerical simulation using the finite element method. This enables one to consider the types of fracturing at various depths in terms of state of stress under specific conditions of loading. The geological model is based on comparative field studies of three volcanically active oceanic islands (Marion, Tristan da Cunha and reunion) and a dormant one (Gough)
