Utilization of high resolution satellite gravity over the Carlsberg Ridge

The Carlsberg Ridge lies between the equator and the Owen fracture zone. It is the most prominent mid-ocean ridge segment of the western Indian Ocean, which contains a number of earthquake epicenters. Satellite altimetry can be used to infer subsurface geological structures analogous to gravity anomaly maps generated through ship-borne survey. In this study, free-air gravity and its 3D image have been generated over the Carlsberg Ridge using a very high resolution data base, as obtained from Geosat GM, ERS-1, Seasat and TOPEX/POSEIDON altimeter data. As observed in this study, the Carlsberg Ridge shows a slow spreading characteristic with a deep and wide graben (average width ∼15 km). The transform fault spacing confirms variable slow to intermediate characteristics with first and second order discontinuities. The isostatically compensated region of the Carlsberg Ridge could be demarcated with near zero contour values in the free-air gravity anomaly images over and along the Carlsberg Ridge axes and over most of the fracture zone patterns. Few profiles have been generated across the Carlsberg Ridge and the characteristics of slow/intermediate spreading ridge of various orders of discontinuity could be identified. It has also been observed in zero contour image as well as in the characteristics of valley patterns along the ridge from NW to SE that different spreading rates, from slow to intermediate, are occurring in different parts of the Carlsberg ridge. It maintains the morphology of a slow spreading ridge in the NW, where the wide and deep axial valley (∼1.5–3 km) also implies the pattern of a slow spreading ridge. However, a change in the morphology/depth of the axial valley from NW to SE indicates the nature of the Carlsberg Ridge as a slow to intermediate spreading ridge. For the prevailing security restrictions, lat./lon. coordinates have been omitted in few images.     

Morphology and tectonics of the Australian-Antarctic Discordance between 123° E and 128° E

The Australian-Antarctic Discordance (AAD) is an anomalously deep and rugged zone of the Southeast Indian Ridge (SEIR) between 120° E and 128° E. The AAD contains the boundary between the Indian Ocean and Pacific Ocean isotopic provinces. We have analyzed SeaMarc II bathymetric and sidescan sonar data along the SEIR between 123° E and 128° E. The spreading center in the AAD, previously known to be divided into several transform-bounded sections, is further segmented by nontransform discontinuities which separate distinct spreading cells. Near the transform which bounds the AAD to the east, there is a marked change in the morphology of the spreading center, as well as in virtually every measured geochemical parameter. The spreading axis within the Discordance lies in a prominent rift valley similar to that observed along the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, although the full spreading rate within the AAD is somewhat faster than that of slow-spreading centers (~ 74 mm a^–1 vs. 0–40 mm a^–1). The AAD rift valleys show a marked contrast with the axial high that characterizes the SEIR east of the AAD. This change in axial morphology is coincident with a large (~ 1 km) deepening of the spreading axis. The segmentation characteristics of the AAD are analogous to those of the slow-spreading Mid-Atlantic Ridge, as opposed to the SEIR east of the AAD, which exhibits segmentation characteristics typical of fast-spreading centers. Thus, the spreading center within and east of the AAD contains much of the range of global variability in accretionary processes, yet it is a region free from spreading rate variations and the volumetric and chemical influences of hotspots. We suggest that the axial morphology and segmentation characteristics of the AAD spreading centers are the result of the presence of cooler than normal mantle. The presence of a cool mantle and the subsequent diminution of magma supply at a constant spreading rate may engender the creation of anomalously thick brittle lithosphere within the AAD, a condition which favor, the creation of an axial rift valley and of thin oceanic crust, in agreement with petrologic studies. The morphologies of transform and non-transform discontinuities within the Discordance also possess characteristics consistent with the creation of anomalously thick lithosphere in the region. The upper mantle viscosity structure which results from lower mantle temperatures and melt production rates may account for the similarity in segmentation characteristics between the AAD and slow-spreading centers. The section of the AAD which overlies the isotopic boundary is associated with chaotic seafloor which may be caused by an erratic pattern of magmatism and/or complex deformation associated with mantle convergence. Finally, the pattern of abyssal hill terrain within a portion of the AAD supports previous models for the formation of abyssal hills at intermediate- and slow-spreading ridges, and provides insights into how asymmetric spreading is achieved in this region.     

卡尔斯伯格脊 60°~61°E洋脊段多波束后向散射特征及其对构造与岩浆作用强度的指示

多波束声纳数据可以有效记录海底地形地貌和底质特征信息。本文利用船载多波束数据对慢速扩张的卡尔斯伯格脊60°~61°E洋脊段的典型构造地貌单元的后向散射强度特征进行了研究,在此基础上,分析了该洋脊段的构造和岩浆作用强度特征。结果表明,洋脊段I以构造拉张作用占主导,脊轴及附近后向散射强度为-29 dB左右,裂谷壁高差可达1 200 m以上,裂谷内断裂发育,裂谷侧翼高度与裂谷宽度的比值为78.7~126.2,裂谷两侧翼部线性构造较少,但轴向正断层面更宽,倾角更小;与洋脊段裂谷中段相比,末端火山活动频率较低但喷发规模较大,火山机构数量和体积也更大,且可发育深大断裂获取深部热源。洋脊段II以岩浆作用占主导,脊轴及附近后向散射强度达-35 dB,裂谷内轴向火山脊发育,裂谷壁高差小于500 m,裂谷侧翼高度与裂谷宽度的比值为77.6~116.8,裂谷两侧翼部线性构造数量众多、长宽比较大且呈近似对称,相邻线性构造之间沉积物广泛分布。通过提取挖掘与底质属性密切相关的多波束后向散射强度数据,结合海底地形地貌的分析,可以为洋中脊的构造和岩浆作用强度的定量研究提供有效的证据。     

Tectonics of the Nereus Deep,Red Sea: A deep-tow investigation of a site of initial rifting

The Nereus Deep (23°N) lies in the central portion of the Red Sea, in a region which marks a transition between the nearly continuous axial rift valley of the southern Red Sea and the northern Red Sea, where a well defined axial rift is absent. The deep-tow survey and associated heat flow measurements reported here show that the Nereus Deep is a short segment of axial rift, and it is the northernmost deep where petrology, heat flow, magnetics, and morphology all indicate classic seafloor spreading. Heat flow measured in the Nereus Deep is characterized by non-linear gradients and closely-spaced variability indicative of active hydrothermal circulation associated with seafloor spreading. The two axial highs which we have mapped in Nereus differ markedly in that the southernmost appears younger or at least has had a more recent phase of volcanism. The two axial highs are offset left laterally approximately 2 km. This small offset or bend in the axial course has been labelled the Nereus shear zone, and, despite its small extent, it mimics many of the major features of small offset, slow-slipping transform faults. This shear zone may result from shear stresses associated with misalignments in succeeding volcanic episodes. The Nereus Deep appears to represent one of the earliest phases of seafloor spreading. The Red Sea seems to be opening towards the north, and the Nereus Deep is near the tip of propagation, but it is clear from this study that rift propagation in a site of initial rifting differs greatly from that observed along a well developed, fast spreading center like the East Pacific Rise.     

Origin and development of the morphological structure of the rift zone of slow-spreading mid-ocean ridges

Due to the complex transformation of the Earth’s crust in the rift valley, the morphology of the newly formed crust is changed by that of the province of rift mountains. The main factors of the variability of the morphological structure are as follows: the tectonomagmatic cyclicity of the geodynamic processes at the spreading centers and the isostatic uplift of the rift valley floor. The interchange of magmatic and tectonic cycles determines the difference in the bathymetric levels of the isostatic equilibrium at the edges of the rift valley slopes and the beginning of the formation of the topography of the province of rift mountains. This relief represents an indepth system of ridges and valleys rhythmically interchanging in the lateral direction. The morphology of the province of rift mountaines becomes the morphology of the acoustic basement throughout the ocean floor, except for the continental margins and areas of intraplate tectonics and volcanism.     

Segmentation and morphotectonic variations along a slow-spreading center: The Mid-Atlantic Ridge (24°00′ N– 30°40′ N)

Analysis of Sea Beam bathymetry along the Mid-Atlantic Ridge between 24°00 N and 30°40 N reveals the nature and scale of the segmentation of this slow-spreading center. Except for the Atlantis Transform, there are no transform offsets along this 800-km-long portion of the plate boundary. Instead, the Mid-Atlantic Ridge is offset at intervals of 10–100 km by nontransform discontinuities, usually located at local depth maxima along the rift valley. At these discontinuities, the horizontal shear between offset ridge segments is not accommodated by a narrow, sustained transform-zone. Non-transform discontinuities along the MAR can be classified according to their morphology, which is partly controlled by the distance between the offset neovolcanic zones, and their spatial and temporal stability. Some of the non-transform discontinuities are associated with off-axis basins which integrate spatially to form discordant zones on the flanks of the spreading center. These basins may be the fossil equivalents of the terminal lows which flank the neovolcanic zone at the ends of each segment. The off-axis traces, which do not lie along small circles about the pole of opening of the two plates, reflect the migration of the discontinuities along the spreading center.The spectrum of rift valley morphologies ranges from a narrow, deep, hourglass-shaped valley to a wide valley bounded by low-relief rift mountains. A simple classification of segment morphology involves two types of segments. Long and narrow segments are found preferentially on top of the long-wavelength, along-axis bathymetric high between the Kane and Atlantis Transforms. These segments are associated with circular mantle Bouguer anomalies which are consistent with focused mantle upwelling beneath the segment mid-points. Wide, U-shaped segments in cross-section are preferentially found in the deep part of the long-wavelength, along-axis depth profile. These segments do not appear to be associated with circular mantle Bouguer anomalies, indicating perhaps a more complex pattern of mantle upwelling and/or crustal structure. Thus, the long-recognized bimodal distribution of segment morphology may be associated with different patterns of mantle upwelling and/or crustal structure. We propose that the range of observed, first-order variations in segment morphology reflects differences in the flow pattern, volume and temporal continuity of magmatic upwelling at the segment scale. However, despite large first-order differences, all segments display similar intra-segment, morphotectonic variations. We postulate that the intra-segment variability represents differences in the relative importance of volcanism and tectonism along strike away from a zone of enhanced magma upwelling within each segment. The contribution of volcanism to the morphology will be more important near the shallowest portion of the rift valley within each segment, beneath which we postulate that upwelling of magma is enhanced, than beneath the ends of the segment. Conversely, the contribution of tectonic extension to the morphology will become more important toward the spreading center discontinuities. Variations in magmatic budget along the strike of a segment will result in along-axis variations in crustal structure. Segment mid-points may coincide with regions of highest melt production and thick crust, and non-transform discontinuities with regions of lowest melt production and thin crust. This hypothesis is consistent with available seismic and gravity data.The rift valley of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge is in general an asymmetric feature. Near segment mid-points, the rift valley is usually symmetric but, away from the segment mid-points, one side of the rift valley often consists of a steep, faulted slope while the other side forms a more gradual ramp. These observations suggest that half-grabens, rather than full-grabens, are the fundamental building blocks of the rift valley. They also indicate that the pattern of faulting varies along strike at the segment scale, and may be a consequence of the three-dimensional, thermo-mechanical structure of segments associated with enhanced mantle upwelling beneath their mid-points.     

The role of the Spitsbergen shear zone in determining morphology,segmentation and evolution of the Knipovich Ridge

In 1989–1990 the SeaMARC II side-looking sonar and swath bathymetric system imaged more than 80 000 km² of the seafloor in the Norwegian-Greenland Sea and southern Arctic Ocean. One of our main goals was to investigate the morphotectonic evolution of the ultra-slow spreading Knipovich Ridge from its oblique (115° ) intersection with the Mohns Ridge in the south to its boundary with the Molloy Transform Fault in the north, and to determine whether or not the ancient Spitsbergen Shear Zone continued to play any involvement in the rise axis evolution and segmentation. Structural evidence for ongoing northward rift propagation of the Mohns Ridge into the ancient Spitsbergen Shear Zone (forming the Knipovich Ridge in the process) includes ancient deactivated and migrated transforms, subtle V-shaped-oriented flank faults which have their apex at the present day Molloy Transform, and rift related faults that extend north of the present Molloy Transform Fault. The Knipovich Ridge is segmented into distinct elongate basins; the bathymetric inverse of the very-slow spreading Reykjanes Ridge to the south. Three major fault directions are detected: the N-S oriented rift walls, the highly oblique en-echelon faults, which reside in the rift valley, and the structures, defining the orientation of many of the axial highs, which are oblique to both the rift walls and the faults in the axial rift valley. The segmentation of this slow spreading center is dominated by quasi stationary, focused magma centers creating (axial highs) located between long oblique rift basins. Present day segment discontinuities on the Knipovich Ridge are aligned along highly oblique, probably strike-slip faults, which could have been created in response to rotating shear couples within zones of transtension across the multiple faults of the Spitsbergen Shear Zone. Fault interaction between major strike slip shears may have lead to the formation of en-echelon pull apart basins. The curved stress trajectories create arcuate faults and subsiding elongate basins while focusing most of the volcanism through the boundary faults. As a result, the Knipovich Ridge is characterized by Underlapping magma centers, with long oblique rifts. This style of basin-dominated segmentation probably evolved in a simple shear detachment fault environment which led to the extreme morphotectonic and geophysical asymmetries across the rise axis. The influence of the Spitsbergen Shear Zone on the evolution of the Knipovich Ridge is the primary reason that the segment discontinuities are predominantly volcanic. Fault orientation data suggest that different extension directions along the Knipovich Ridge and Mohns Ridge (280° vs. 330°, respectively) cause the crust on the western side of the intersection of these two ridges to buckle and uplift via compression as is evidenced by the uplifted western wall province and the large 60 mGal free air gravity anomalies in this area. In addition, the structural data suggest that the northwards propagation of the spreading center is ongoing and that a `normal' pure shear spreading regime has not evolved along this ridge. This revised version was published online in November 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Comparison of volcanic rifts on La Palma and El Hierro, Canary Islands and the Island of Hawaii

The meso-scale (km) morphology of the well-studied volcanic rift zones on the Island of Hawaii is compared to the morphology of the lesser known rift zones of La Palma and El Hierro, Canary Islands. We find that there are both differences and similarities in their morphologic characteristics. In general, the rift zones on La Palma and El Hierro are shorter (a few tens of km in length) than those on Hawaii (ranging up to >100 km in length), perhaps reflecting both magma supply and composition. Many of the rift zones on Hawaii have well defined axial zones, both on-and offshore. In contrast, the rift zones on La Palma and El Hierro display various geometries ranging from linear ridges having smooth to irregular crests to structures with a broad fan-like morphology in plan view. The pronounced fanning may be a reflection of: 1) the stress field within the rift being insufficient to trap dikes within a narrow region, 2) dike injection and volcanism shifting laterally through time, 3) volcanoes building nearly one atop of another in the Canary Islands, superimposing the stress field of one structure on the other and thus yielding a more complex distribution of gravitational stresses, and 4) low rate of magma supply producing low magma pressures and thus randomly oriented dike injections. Irregularities and curvature along the axes of the rifts on La Palma and El Hierro may be a reflection of differences in the rate of magma production. Unlike the volcanoes on the Island of Hawaii there may be insufficient volumes of lavas erupted on La Palma and El Hierro to smooth out irregularities. The superposition of rifts from different volcanoes may also add to topographic irregularities in the Canary Islands, especially if eruption rates are low.     

Abrupt axial variations along the slow to ultra-slow spreading centers of the northern North Fiji Basin (SW Pacific): Evidence for short wave heterogeneities in a back-arc mantle

This study presents results of surveys conducted along the slow to ultra-slow spreading axis of the Northern North Fiji Basin (NNFB), including the Hazel Holmes, Tripartite and South Pandora Ridges, and the newly discovered Futuna and North Cikobia spreading centers. Spreading segments along these axes display highly contrasted axial morphologies, ranging from a rift valley to a prominent axial high. In some places, abrupt inversions of topography are observed between neighboring segments. Detailed analyses of bathymetry and backscatter maps reveal that axial highs are spotted with numerous coalescent volcanoes forming features ranging from irregular terrains to well-organized ridges. The volcanic edifices are distributed over a wide neovolcanic zone, which corresponds to the axial relief, suggesting on important contribution of volcanism to the relief construction. Comparisons between various ridge-shaped segments reveal that axial volcano-tectonic patterns are directly related to the local magma production and delivery, in a context of tectonic extension related to plate divergence, and suggest that coalescent volcanoes are fed from multiples short-lived and unconnected magma lenses. In the competition between horizontal and vertical accretion of oceanic crust, the spreading centers of the NNFB represent a special case where lava production is locally high enough and spreading rate is low enough to allow prominent axial highs to develop. The along axis morphologic variability is related to intermittent volcanic activity that may result from rapid temporal and spatial variations in the distribution of upper mantle convection cells below accretion centers, superimposed on the regional thermal anomaly located under the whole basin.     

南海西南次海盆被动陆缘构造单元划分及伸展演化过程

南海西南次海盆被动陆缘洋陆转换带位于陆缘强烈伸展区,蕴含着岩石圈临界伸展破裂和洋盆扩张过程的丰富信息。本文利用多道地震剖面和重力异常数据,对西南次海盆被动陆缘构造单元进行划分,研究陆缘南、北部洋陆转换带结构构造特征,探讨陆缘伸展演化过程。多道地震剖面资料显示,北部洋陆转换带发育有裂陷期断陷和向海倾斜的掀斜断块;南部发育有低角度正断层控制的裂陷期断陷、海底火山以及局部隆起;从陆到洋方向,重力异常值变化明显。根据上述结果南海西南次海盆被动陆缘划分为近端带、洋陆转换带和洋盆三个构造单元,分别对应了其伸展演化过程的三个阶段：前裂谷阶段、陆缘裂陷阶段和海底扩张阶段。     

Gravity surveys over the Reykjanes Ridge and between Iceland and the Faeroe Islands

A regional survey of the southern Reykjanes Ridge (52°N to 57°N) shows an irregular topography: a rift valley which is only partly recognizable as such, with varying azimuth and some fracturezone-like interruptions. The survey also comprised gravity and magnetic measurements.The course of the axis as well as the perpendicular fractures show up well in the free air anomalies as relative troughs within an area of positive free air gravity (Figure 5). There is no indication of density variations within the topographic masses.The anomaly pattern of total magnetic intensity indicates the exact position of the rift axis and a bifurcation at about 55°N. From the parallel magnetic anomalies south of 55°N (Figure 2) a spreading rate can be deduced of 1.10 cm/yr perpendicular to the rift axis (Figure 3). This spreading rate is at the same time the plate movement involved.A survey of the Iceland-Faeroe Ridge with a 3–5 miles grid shows large gravity and magnetic anomalies over a smooth topography, indicating large pockets of light material, probably of volcanic origin. These areas have normal magnetization. Positive gravity anomalies forming a ring structure along the 200 m isobath are characterized by reversed magnetization.The dissimilarity in morphology, seismicity and inner structure between the two ridges that intersect in Iceland suggest that there is no relation between the two phenomena.Paper presented at the meeting of the International Gravity Commission, Paris, on September 8, 1970.     

Extensional faulting and segmentation of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge north of the Kane Fracture Zone (24° 00′ N to 24° 40′ N)

The combination of multi-beam echo-sounder swath bathymetry and high-resolution deep-towed sidescan sonar provides a powerful database from which to examine mid-ocean ridge processes. We have used such a database, gathered from the Mid-Atlantic Ridge north of the Kane Fracture Zone (the MARNOK area), to examine the relationship between tectonic, volcanic, and bathymetric segmentation. We have identified structural domains, with different fault distributions, and neovolcanic segments that are distinct from the 2nd or 3rd order bathymetric segmentation.From their mutual relationships, a model is proposed for the magmatic accretion of oceanic crust at slow spreading ridges that relates the local melt supply to the tectonic style. We suggest that these are mutually interactive, and determine whether volcanic extrusion along the ridge is continuous and slow, or episodic and rapid.     

The morphology and tectonics of the Mark area from Sea Beam and Sea MARC I observations (Mid-Atlantic Ridge 23° N)

High-resolution Sea Beam bathymetry and Sea MARC I side scan sonar data have been obtained in the MARK area, a 100-km-long portion of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge rift valley south of the Kane Fracture Zone. These data reveal a surprisingly complex rift valley structure that is composed of two distinct spreading cells which overlap to create a small, zero-offset transform or discordant zone. The northern spreading cell consists of a magmatically robust, active ridge segment 40–50 km in length that extends from the eastern Kane ridge-transform intersection south to about 23°12′ N. The rift valley in this area is dominated by a large constructional volcanic ridge that creates 200–500 m of relief and is associated with high-temperature hydrothermal activity. The southern spreading cell is characterized by a NNE-trending band of small (50–200 m high), conical volcanos that are built upon relatively old, fissured and sediment-covered lavas, and which in some cases are themselves fissured and faulted. This cell appears to be in a predominantly extensional phase with only small, isolated eruptions. These two spreading cells overlap in an anomalous zone between 23°05′ N and 23°17′ N that lacks a well-developed rift valley or neovolcanic zone, and may represent a slow-spreading ridge analogue to the overlapping spreading centers found at the East Pacific Rise. Despite the complexity of the MARK area, volcanic and tectonic activity appears to be confined to the 10–17 km wide rift valley floor. Block faulting along near-vertical, small-offset normal faults, accompanied by minor amounts of back-tilting (generally less than 5°), begins within a few km of the ridge axis and is largely completed by the time the crust is transported up into the rift valley walls. Features that appear to be constructional volcanic ridges formed in the median valley are preserved largely intact in the rift mountains. Mass-wasting and gullying of scarp faces, and sedimentation which buries low-relief seafloor features, are the major geological processes occurring outside of the rift valley. The morphological and structural heterogeneity within the MARK rift valley and in the flanking rift mountains documented in this study are largely the product of two spreading cells that evolve independently to the interplay between extensional tectonism and episodic variations in magma production rates.     

ALVIN investigation of an active propagating rift system,Galapagos 95.5° W

ALVIN investigations have defined the fine-scale structural and volcanic patterns produced by active rift and spreading center propagation and failure near 95.5° W on the Galapagos spreading center. Behind the initial lithospheric rifting, which is propagating nearly due west at about 50 km m.y.^–1, a triangular block of preexisting lithosphere is being stretched and fractured, with some recent volcanism along curving fissures. A well-organized seafloor spreading center, an extensively faulted and fissured volcanic ridge, develops ~ 10 km (~ 200,000 years) behind the tectonic rift tip. Regional variations in the chemical compositions of the youngest lavas collected during this program contrast with those encompassing the entire 3 m.y. of propagation history for this region. A maximum in degree of magmatic differentiation occurs about 9 km behind the propagating rift tip, in a region of diffuse rifting. The propagating spreading center shows a gentle gradient in magmatic differentiation culminating at the SW-curving spreading center tip. Except for the doomed rift, which is in a constructional phase, tectonic activity also dominates over volcanic activity along the failing spreading system. In contrast to the propagating rift, failing rift lavas show a highly restricted range of compositions consistent with derivation from a declining upwelling zone accompanying rift failure. The lithosphere transferred from the Cocos to the Nazca plate by this propagator is extensively faulted and characterized by ubiquitous talus in one of the most tectonically disrupted areas of seafloor known. The pseudofault scarps, where the preexisting lithosphere was rifted apart, appear to include both normal and propagator lavas and are thus more lithologically complex than previously thought. Biological communities, probably vestimentiferan tubeworms, occur near the top of the outer pseudofault scarp, although no hydrothermal venting was observed.     

东南印度洋中脊(108°—134°E区域)断层构造与岩浆活动关系

东南印度洋脊(Southeast Indian Ridge, 简称SEIR)是中速扩张洋中脊, 在其中的108°—134°E区域的全扩张速率为72~76 mm·a ^-1。但在接近澳大利亚-南极洲不整合带(Australian-Antarctic Discordance, 简称AAD)区内, 海底地貌沿洋中脊的变化强烈, 其变化范围涵盖了从慢速到快速扩张洋中脊上常见的例子, 且出现了明显的地球物理与地球化学异常, 说明洋中脊在AAD区附近的岩浆供应量极不均匀。文章定量分析了高精度多波束测深数据, 计算了洋中脊不同段的地形坡度、断层比例以及平面与剖面的岩浆参数M值, 结合研究区内剩余地幔布格重力异常以及洋中脊轴部地球化学指标Na_8.0、Fe_8.0等资料, 分析与讨论了研究区的断层构造与岩浆活动特征的关系。研究发现, 东南印度洋脊108°—134°E区域的B区(在AAD区内)及C5段(在AAD区外西侧)发育有大量的海洋核杂岩, 而且B区的海洋核杂岩单体规模更大, 其中最大的位于B3区, 沿洋中脊扩张方向延伸约50km。研究结果首次系统性地显示, 相比东南印度洋的其他区域, B和C5异常区具有偏低的平面与剖面M值、偏高的断层比例、偏正的地幔布格重力异常以及偏高的Na_8.0值与偏低的Fe_8.0值, 这些异常特征可能反映了B区和C5段的岩浆初始熔融深度较浅以及岩浆熔融程度较低, 因此导致其岩浆供应量异常少, 形成较薄的地壳。研究结果同时表明, 在岩浆供应量极少的洋中脊, 构造伸展作用有利于海洋核杂岩的发育, 导致地壳进一步减薄。     

The Mid-atlantic Ridge (31°S–34°30′S): Temporal and spatial variations of accretionary processes

The ridge located between 31° S and 34°30′S is spreading at a rate of 35 mm yr⁻¹, a transitional velocity between the very slow (≤20 mm yr⁻¹) opening rates of the North Atlantic and Southwest Indian Oceans, and the intermediate rates (60 mm yr⁻¹) of the northern limb of the East Pacific Rise, and the Galapagos and Juan de Fuca Ridges. A synthesis of multi-narrow beam, magnetics and gravity data document that in this area the ridge represents a dynamically evolving system. Here the ridge is partitioned into an ensemble of six distinct segments of variable lengths (12 to 100 km) by two transform faults (first-order discontinuities) and three small offset (< 30 km) discontinuities (second-order discontinuities) that behave non-rigidly creating complex and heterogeneous morphotectonic patterns that are not parallel to flow lines. The offset magnitudes of both the first and second-order discontinuities change in response to differential asymmetric spreading. In addition, along the fossil trace of second-order discontinuities, the lengths of abyssal hills located to either side of a discordant zone are observed to lengthen and shorten creating a saw-toothed pattern. Although the spreading rate remains the same along the length of the ridge studied, the morphology of the spreading segments varies from a deep median valley with characteristics analogous to the rift segments of the North Atlantic to a gently rifted axial bulge that is indistinguishable from the shape and relief of the intermediate rate spreading centers of the East Pacific Rise (i.e., 21°N). Like other carefully surveyed ridge segments at slow and fast rates of accretion, the along-axis profiles of each ridge segment are distinctly convex upwards, and exhibit along-strike changes in relief of 500m to 1500 between the shallowest portion of the segment (approximate center) and the segment ends. Such spatial variations create marked along-axis changes in the morphology and relief of each segment. A relatively low mantle Bouguer anomaly is known to be associated with the ridge segment characterized by a gently rifted axial bulge and is interpreted to indicate the presence of focused mantle upwelling (Kuo and Forsyth, 1988). Moreover, the terrain at the ends of each segment are known to be highly magnetized compared to the centers of each segment (Carbotte et al, 1990). Taken together, these data clearly establish that these profound spatial variations in ridge segment properties between adjoining segments, and along and across each segment, indicate that the upper mantle processes responsible for the formation of this contrasting architecture are not solely related to passive upwelling of the asthenosphere beneath the ridge axis. Rather, there must be differences in the thermal and mechanical structure of the crust and upper mantle between and along the ridge segments to explain these spatial variations in axial topography, crustal structure and magnetization. These results are consistent with the results of investigations from other parts of the ridge and suggest that the emplacement of magma is highly focused along segments and positioned beneath the depth minimum of a given segment. The profound differences between segments indicate that the processes governing the behavior of upwelling mantle are decoupled and the variations in the patterns of axis flanking morphology and rate of accretion indicate that processes controlling upwelling and melt production vary markedly in time as well. At this spreading rate and in this area, the accretionary processes are clearly three-dimensional. In addition, the morphology of a ridge segment is not governed so much by opening rate as by the thermal structure of the mantle which underlies the segment.     

Late Cretaceous–Paleocene tectonic development of the NW Vøring Basin

The Late Cretaceous–Paleocene rifting in the NW Vøring Basin is characterized by four main fault complexes and pronounced upper-crustal structural segmentation. The fault complexes are linked by accommodation zones, which separate fault systems of different polarities and thick from thinner coeval sedimentary successions. Structural and stratigraphic analyses suggest that the early rift phase (∼81 to 65 Ma) was characterized by large-scale normal faulting, along-margin segmentation and varying structural styles; whereas the late rift phase (∼65 to 55 Ma) was associated with continued extension, regional uplift, intrusive igneous activity and subsequent erosion. The rifting ended with breakup at ∼55 Ma accompanied by massive, but gradually waning extrusive igneous activity over the next 3 Myr. The mode of rifting appears to have changed from brittle to more ductile extensional deformation from the early to late rift phase. The changing rift rheology is probably related to the arrival of the Iceland mantle plume and initiation of associated igneous activity. Hence, the NW Vøring Basin provides an example of complex interaction of structural and magmatic relationships during rifting and breakup.     

Morphological Features of Co-Rich Manganese Deposits and Their Relation to Seabed Slopes

The morphological features associated with Co-rich manganese deposits, the size variations of nodules, and the occurrence of different substrates have been analyzed, to evaluate the influence of various seabed slope angles on the distribution of these features. The coverage and size of the crusts depend on their surface morphology and seabed topography, resulting in cobble-type, lineated, or step-like outcrops. Small nodules (1 - 4 cm in diameter) dominate all seabed slopes, with a few locations having nodules ranging from 1 to 8 or 1 to 10 cm. Sediments invariably occur as substrates for nodules and as cover for crusts, their coverage being inversely proportional to that of the nodules and crust outcrops. Steeper seafloor areas have large crust outcrops exposed with no or few nodules and sediments associated with them. The intermediate slopes have a combination of nodules, sediments, and crusts in various proportions, depending on topography and gradient. Large-scale nodule occurrences, followed by sediment fields and crust outcrops on seabed slopes of greater than 3 degrees, 3 - 7 degreees, and less than 15 degrees, respectively, represent typical morphological distribution zones of the Co-rich manganese deposits on a seamount in the central Pacific Ocean. A transition zone between nodule-dominated fields and large crust outcrops occurs for slopes from 7 degrees to 15 degrees. This detailed study on distribution of Co-rich deposits gives a better understanding for purposes of their exploitation.     

Bifurcating and wandering ocean ridges: A progress report

First conclusions of a study of the fault pattern in the North Atlantic ocean are briefly outlined. Correlation of fracture zones in deep ocean basins, even over short distances (30 miles) is difficult when using only topographic and seismic profiler data, and requires the additional criterion that the magnetic pattern is shifted along the fracture zones. This implies that each track must be paralleled by at least one more track at close distance to detect breaks in the magnetic pattern.Transform faults are regarded as complementary to the median rift, which, as a tension fault, should be normal to the direction of maximum strain according to laboratory experiments by Gramberg. Median rift segments and transform faults together form an orthogonal system approximating an originally irregular but continuous fissure.Mantle convection currents are thought to be the agents of continental drift. In view of the dimensions of convection cells, a direct coupling between ridges (or ridge segments) and the upwelling branch of a convection current seems impossible. Thus the known bifurcations of mid-ocean ridges in the Indian and in the Pacific Ocean may be interpreted as the result of a divergence of the horizontal branch of a convection cell or a divergence of the movements of crustal plates through collision of continents. Secondary fissures would lead to the development of secondary ridges that cannot be distinguished from primary ridges. In this concept mid-ocean ridges can partake in the horizontal movement by asymmetrical spreading. This might explain the disappearance of the East Pacific Rise under the North American continent.The resulting convection current system is simple: one upwelling and one downgoing current as two complementary helices winding round the earth. Ways are indicated to check several aspects of the proposed hypotheses.     

The morphology and structure of the West O’Gorman Fracture Zone

The West O’Gorman Fracture Zone is an unusual feature that lies between the Mathematician Ridge and the East Pacific Rise on crust generated on the East Pacific Rise between 4 and 9 million years ago. We made a reconnaissance gravity, magnetic and Sea Beam study of the zone with particular emphasis on its eastern (youngest) portion. That region is characterized by an elongate main trough, a prominent median ridge and other, smaller ridges and troughs. The structure has the appearance of large-offset fracture zone, possibly in a slow spreading environment. However, magnetic anomalies indicate that the offset, if any, is quite small, and the spreading rate during formation was fast. In addition, the magnetic profiles do not support earlier models for a difference in spreading rate north and south of the fracture. The morphology of the fracture zone suggests that flexure may be responsible for some of the topography; but gravity studies indicate some of the most prominent features of the fracture zone are at least partially compensated. The main trough is underlain by a thin crust (or high density body), similar to large-offset fracture zones in the Atlantic, while the median ridge is underlain by a thickened crust. Sea Beam data does not unambiguously resolve between volcanism or serpentinization of the upper mantle as a mechanism for isostatic compensation. Why the West O’Gorman exists remains enigmatic, but we speculate that the topographic expression of a fracture zone does not require a transform offset during formation. Perhaps the spreading ridge was magma starved for some reason, resulting in a thin crust that allowed water to penetrate and serpentinize portions of the upper mantle.