Volcanism and Tectonic Evolution of Ambon-Banda Arcs, Indonesia

Mirzam Abdurrachman1, Benyamin Sapiie2, Bambang Priadi1

1
Petrology, Volcanology and Geochemistry Research Group, Geological Engineering, FITB, ITB
2
Geodynamics and Sedimentology Research Group, Geological Engineering, FITB, ITB
Corresponding Author: mirzam@gl.itb.ac.id

Abstract

The Complexity of tectonic evolution of Banda region Indonesia has been studied by many
researchers. The collision along Timor is replaced by Banda Subduction Zone (BSZ) and it
returns to collision at Tanimbar area and finally followed by Seram Subduction Zone (SSZ). This
geologic setting is marked by volcanism which are Banda Volcanic Arc in the South-Southeast
(S-SE) and Ambon Volcanic Arc in the North-Northeast (N-NE). However, the volcanoes from
both Banda and Ambon Arcs show different activity. Banda Arc is formed from west to east, by
dormant volcanoes of Alor, Wetar and Romang and followed by active volcanoes of Damar,
Teon, Nila, Serua and Manuk. On the other hand, The Ambon Arc distributes, again from west
to east, by extinct volcano of Ambon, followed by a submarine volcanic complex of Pisang
Plateau and Banda Api, the only active volcano of this arc. In order to understand the
relationship of between volcanism and tectonic evolution in these arcs, we examined petrology,
seismicity and arc interior along and across Ambon-Banda Arcs. Previous published data and
information regarding tectonic setting and igneous activity of Eastern Indonesia have been
collected, compiled and evaluated. In agreement with previous seismic studies for two different
slabs subducting beneath BSZ and SSZ, respectively, we propose that volcanism of Ambon-
Banda Arc are directly related to the process of collision, lithospheric subduction and slab
rollback in the Eastern Indonesia.
Keywords: volcanism, tectonic evolution, Ambon Arc, Banda Arc, Indonesia