Miocene to recent calc-alkalic volcanism in eastern Taiwan: K-Ar ages and petrography

K-Ar radiometric datings are presented for volcanic rocks from the Coastal Range of Taiwan and from Lanhsu and Lütao islands. The samples involved are basalts, andesites and dacites which show the main petrological and geochemical characteristics of island arc magmas. The K-Ar data show that volcanic activity occurred from Early Miocene to Early Pliocene times in the Coastal Range and in Lanhsu Island, and during Pliocene times (ca. 1.3–4.3 Ma) in Lütao Island. The geological significance of Early and Middle Miocene ages is discussed with respect to hydrothermal/metasomatic alterations which have affected most of the samples. A significant increase in incompatible elements (e.g., K and Sr) is shown to have occurred during Pliocene to Recent times, and is exemplified by the compositions of the Lanhsu, and Lütao volcanic rocks. The origin of these chemical variations is related to the magmatic effects of crustal thickening linked to the transition from subduction to collision regimes.