CatVolc: A new database of geochemical and geochronological data of volcanic-related materials from the Catalan Volcanic Zone (Spain)

Abstract

The Catalan Volcanic Zone (CVZ) (NE Spain) consists of an intraplate alkaline volcanic zone associated with the opening of the Western Mediterranean and the development of the European Rift System. Volcanic activity in the CVZ started in the L'Empordà area (ca. > 12–8 Ma), extended to La Selva (7.9–1.7 Ma), and finally migrated to the Garrotxa Volcanic Field (< 0.7–0.01 Ma). Despite the scientific interest in the CVZ since the early 19th century, certain aspects remain poorly constrained. These include a full understanding of the spatial and temporal evolution of the magma plumbing system(s) and ascent mechanisms, as well as the chronology of volcanism across the CVZ. Addressing these unresolved questions requires geochemical, petrological, and geochronological data, which, in the case of the CVZ, are scattered and have never been integrated or analysed within a unified framework. Here, we present the CatVolc (Catalan Volcanism) database, which compiles available geochemical and geochronological data of volcanic-related materials from the CVZ. The current version of the database contains geochemical analyses from 405 rock samples (296 juvenile magmatic rocks -including lavas and pyroclasts- and 109 xenoliths), and radiometric/thermoluminescence dating data from 57 rocks (55 volcanogenic and two dykes), 4 paleosols samples developed between volcanic deposits and 1 sample from sediments. For each sample, the CatVolc database lists general information about the sampling site, sample lithology, whole-rock analyses (including major and trace elements), isotopic ratios, mineral chemistry, and radiometric/thermoluminescence dating information, if available. A preliminary analysis of the information contained in the CatVolc database highlights the critical limitations of the current state of knowledge and allows suggesting potential future directions for volcanic-driven investigations in the CVZ. Additionally, the results obtained validate the CatVolc database as a key tool for comprehending the spatial and temporal evolution of the magmatic system(s) and volcanic activity in the CVZ, particularly in the Garrotxa Volcanic Field. This aspect is critical for advancing in the assessment of the volcanic hazards in the region and for gaining a comprehensive understanding of future volcanic activity.