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Where did major volcanic activity occur during the Silurian Period?
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Silurian Period
Distribution of landmasses, mountainous regions, shallow seas, and deep ocean basins during the middle part of the Silurian Period. Included in the paleogeographic reconstruction are the locations of the interval's subduction zones.
Compared to other geological periods, the Silurian Period was relatively quiet regarding volcanic activity. While moderate activity occurred in parts of the British Isles, the Canadian Maritimes, and coastal New England—largely attributed to the appending of Avalonia to Baltica—the most extensive volcanism took place in eastern Australia, primarily in New South Wales, with additional activity in Victoria and Queensland.1
Specific sites and features of Silurian volcanic activity include:
- Australia: Extensive terrestrial volcanism occurred throughout the period, including the Paddys River and Uriarra events (early Wenlock), the Laidlaw, Mineral Hill, Bennetts Creek, Mullions Range, and Bells Creek volcanics (Ludlow), and the Bombay Creek, Woodlawn, and Currawan Basalt events (Pridoli).1
- British Isles: Notable deposits include the Skomer Volcanics in southwestern Wales and rhyolite and andesite lavas in the English Mendip Hills. Ash beds are also found in the Buildwas and Elton formations in Shropshire.1
- North America: Volcanic activity is recorded in northeastern Massachusetts (Newbery Volcanics), the Passamaquoddy Bay region of Maine, and adjacent New Brunswick. Additionally, a chain of volcanic islands stretched from the Klamath Mountains in northern California to Alaska.1