印度洋南部凯尔盖朗群岛底下古次大陆：岩石圈地幔的锇同位素证据

当印度从澳大利亚一南极洲分离出来,凯尔盖朗热点地慢流开始活动至今至少已有115Mi,也许长达130Ma之久。凯尔盖朗地幔柱被认为对包括东经九十度海岭、布罗肯海岭和海洋的第二大高原凯尔盖朗高原在内的印度洋盆地的广泛热点火山作用起了重要作用。此外,凯尔盖朗地幔柱亦形成了南半球喷发的玄武岩特征、DUPAC同位素异常。这种地馒柱与印度洋岩石圈的相互作用对整个印度洋盆地地球化学和构造演化有潜在的影响。凯尔盖朗高原和凯尔盖朗群岛成因的一种见解是它们的岩石围基底含有冈瓦纳古陆分裂出残留下的大陆碎块。凯尔盖朗高原南部玄武岩…     

东北印度洋85°E海脊的性质和起源:综述和新认识

85°E海脊是东北印度洋一条重要的线性基底隆起,形成于中生代印度板块北漂过程中的构造和岩浆活动。海脊的结构、性质和起源蕴含了东印度洋扩张和印度板块北漂过程的关键信息,然而目前对其构造属性和形成演化的认识存在较大争议。分析了85°E海脊及邻区的重磁异常特征,结合前人对海脊外部形貌、内部结构、深部构造以及东印度洋板块重建的研究成果,探讨了海脊的性质和起源。结果表明,85°E海脊的形成是热点活动、洋脊扩张、转换断层、扩张中心跃迁以及板块汇聚远程效应等多种地质过程综合作用的结果。海脊呈现明显的构造分段性,不同分段的结构、性质和成因机制不同。12°N以北的海脊形成于板内热点型岩浆作用;2°～12°N的海脊与NW-SE向和N-S向两期海底扩张的边界高度吻合,是白垩纪东印度洋扩张中心调整和板块重组的产物;2°N以南的阿法纳西-尼基廷海山是随着海底扩张逐渐侵位的热点型海脊,可能与2°N以北的海脊不存在成因上的关联。分析认为,2°～12°N的海脊中段是未来部署地球物理测量、进一步确认海脊性质和成因的关键区域。通过深海钻探揭示海脊不同分段的物质组成和形成时代,是破解85°E海脊的性质和起源、白垩纪印度洋板块重建事件以及热点-洋中脊相互作用机制等重大地质问题的关键途径。     

印度洋东经90°海岭现代沉积物稀土元素组成及其物源示踪意义

基于印度洋东经90°海岭42个表层沉积物的粒度和稀土元素(REE)组成及其空间分布特征,判别了研究区现代沉积物的主要来源,并结合水动力格局等要素探讨了东经90°海岭北部区域沉积物输运方式.结果显示,研究区42个表层沉积物总稀土含量(∑REE)为26.37～156.8?μg/g,平均值为57.35?μg/g,特点是轻稀土...     

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。     

西南印度洋中脊岩石地球化学特征及其岩浆作用研究

作为超慢速扩张脊的代表,西南印度洋中脊(SWIR)因其独一无二的地形地貌特征、洋壳结构、洋壳增生机制、岩浆和热液活动以及深部动力学过程,近30年来成为国内外研究的热点区域。基于近年来对SWIR玄武岩、辉长岩及橄榄岩的岩石学和地球化学研究成果总结,重点探讨了沿SWIR轴向(大尺度)以及单个洋脊分段(小尺度)的岩石地球化学变化特征及其影响因素,阐述了SWIR的岩浆供应及洋壳增生模式。其中,在9°～16°E斜向扩张脊,以构造作用为主的洋脊扩张模式导致了更宽的洋壳增生带和显著的地球化学异常;而在50°～51°E脊段,发育了强烈的火山活动,其成因机制包括克洛泽热点与洋中脊相互作用、微热点、古老熔融事件的残留地幔再熔融等几种观点。此外,西南印度洋中脊龙旂热液区(～49.7°E)的最新研究表明,其热液循环路径与拆离断层的发育密不可分,热液流体循环最深可达莫霍面以下6 km。因此,在今后的一段时间,应进一步加强SWIR不同空间尺度地幔源区性质、洋中脊构造与岩浆作用过程、热点-洋中脊相互作用和岩浆-热液活动与成矿等主要科学问题的研究。     

太平洋南部菲尼克斯海岭的年代学

菲尼克斯岩石圈板块是太平洋中面积最大的板块之一。它从侏罗纪就开始形成,然后沉降于俯冲区。如今菲尼克斯板块只剩下位于菲尼克斯海岭古扩张轴、南设得兰海槽俯冲区和赫洛、沙克尔顿转换断层之间不大的一块地方。     

西南印度洋中脊超慢速扩张的构造和岩浆活动特征

西南印度洋中脊是当前研究超慢速扩张中脊岩石圈增生模式和热液硫化物矿产资源的热点区域.本研究从西南印度洋中脊的扩张速率变化与全球地质历史事件的关系、岩浆活动强度及其不同尺度上的运移规律、热点-中脊交互作用的地质现象和地球物理特征等方面,系统总结了有关西南印度洋中脊的最新认识.针对以上内容,提出了进一步工作建议,如调查航次的区域与方法、岩浆-构造活动与岩石圈状态的相互关系以及热点-中脊交互作用的动力学机制.     

基于滑动窗口导纳技术反演西太平洋中部岩石圈的有效弹性厚度

西太平洋中部地区是西太平洋板块边缘沟-弧-盆体系构造演化的关键区域,其地质特征与构造演化一直是地学家关注的焦点问题之一。开展岩石圈有效弹性厚度的研究对于认识该区域的形成演化具有重要的科学意义。本文采用滑动窗口导纳技术,并在挠曲模型中考虑了表面荷载和内部荷载同时存在的情况,计算得到该区域的岩石圈有效弹性厚度(Te)。计算结果显示,研究区的Te值整体上为0~50 km,其变化基本上与构造单元相吻合,且与主要的构造边界密切相关。除海底火山具有相对较小的Te值(15~20 km)外,太平洋板块整体上具有较强的岩石圈强度(25~30 km)。马里亚纳海沟和菲律宾海沟的岩石圈强度从外隆起到海沟方向表现为明显的减弱,表明岩石圈由外隆起向海沟发生了弱化。帕里西维拉海盆西部相较于东部具有较弱的岩石圈强度,这可能与海盆的非对称扩张有关。卡罗琳板块的岩石圈整体上表现为相对均一的低Te值特征(<15 km)。欧里皮克海隆、卡罗琳海岭和索罗尔海槽的Te值为3 km,这可能是强烈的火山作用所导致的结果。     

印度洋大地构造背景及其构造演化——印度洋底大地构造图研究进展

印度洋底大地构造图(1∶1 500万)基于最新地球物理数据,结合中国大洋调查航次积累的地貌、地质、地球物理和矿产资源资料编制,综合反映印度洋底及周缘地质、地貌、地球物理和资源分布等特征,将为理解和推进印度洋盆构造演化和资源分布研究提供理论支撑。本文介绍了该图编制的思路和方法、数据来源、图面内容和大地构造单元划分,认为印度洋盆具有多微陆块、多期扩张、多洋底高原、无震海岭和"入"字形洋中脊等特征。在前人研究基础上,将印度洋盆地构造演化归纳为3个阶段:(1)冈瓦纳大陆裂解与洋盆初始张开(侏罗纪-白垩纪中期);(2)洋盆持续张开与扩张中心跃迁(白垩纪中期-古近纪初期);(3)印度板块与欧亚板块俯冲碰撞及非洲板块裂解(新生代)。在扩张中心跃迁式的发育形式下,现今印度洋盆多微陆块、多期扩张中心和"入"字形的洋中脊基本构造格局在古近纪早期便已形成。     

ODP第197航次—夏威夷热点的运动：古地磁的检验

夏威夷—皇帝海山链的弯曲是固定热点基准结构中记录了板块运动变化的最好例证。换句话说 ,弯曲首先记录了夏威夷热点相对于太平洋岩石圈的运动差异。 4种研究支持近来的观点 :(1 )从相对板块运动数据预测的全球板块运动 ;(2 )源于北太平洋海盆的板块扩张速率数据 ;(3 )利用地球和地震层析成像技术的地幔流模拟 ;(4 )来自皇帝海岭的新的古地磁数据。虽然受以前钻探的限制要获得板块运动速率的数据仍相当困难 ,但是最实用的古地磁数据表明太平洋热点已经迁移 ,其运动速率可与晚白垩世至早第三纪 (81～43 Ma)的岩石圈板块相比。如果这个数据…     

Geoid height versus topography of the Northern Ninetyeast Ridge: implications on crustal compensation

In this paper we focused on understanding the isostatic compensation of the Ninetyeast Ridge in the overall context of the Bay of Bengal oceanic lithosphere and the interaction of the ridge system with the north Andaman subduction zone from north of 7–18°N. This region is characterized by the initial interaction of the Kerguelen hotspot with the Bay of Bengal oceanic lithosphere. We used satellite altimeter-derived marine geoid, as it should comprehensively reflect the compensations caused by large spatial wavelength dominated deeper anomaly sources in a hotspot affected lithospheric load like the Ninetyeast Ridge. Our analyses of the geoid-to-topography ratio (GTR), residual geoid, gravity-to-topographic kernel and upward continuation of anomalies show the existence of two different types of source compensation bodies beneath the northern (12–18°N) and southern (7–12°N) Ninetyeast Ridge. In the northern region, the geoid to topography ratio varies from 0.63 ± 0.05 to 0.44 ± 0.03, while in the southern region it ranges from 1.34 ± 0.09 to 1.31 ± 0.07 which resulted in a north to south increase in the apparent compensation depth from ~9 to 28 km. The presence of a shallow Moho, low GTR, broader gravity to topography kernel and the absence of a ridge anomaly from the mantle density dominated upward continued anomaly at z = 300 km indicates that at the northern segment the underplated low density crustal melt is the dominant isostatic compensating body. However, at the southern ridge segment the high GTR, strong gravity-to-topography kernel and the subsistence of the anomaly at long wavelengths, even at z = 300 km represents the existence of large volumes of hotspot related underplated dense material as the source of compensation. The proximity of the dense source compensating body of the southern Ninetyeast Ridge to the Andaman subduction zone affected the regional mantle driven density gradient flow, as observed from the z = 300 km continued gravity anomaly. The existence of a southern Ninetyeast Ridge in such a transpressional regime has caused the formation of a forearc sliver at its eastern flank, which is a major crustal deformational structure developed as a result of ridge-trench collision.     

The Rodriguez Triple Junction (Indian Ocean): Structure and evolution for the past one million years

The Rodriguez Triple Junction (RTJ) corresponds to the junction of the three Indian Ocean spreading ridges. A detailed survey of an area of 90 km by 85 km, centered at 25°30 S and 70° E, allows detailed mapping (at a scale of 1/100 000) of the bathymetry (Seabeam) and the magnetic anomalies. The Southeast Indian Ridge, close to the triple junction, is a typical intermediate spreading rate ridge (2.99 cm a^-1 half rate), trending N140°. The Central Indian Ridge rift valley prolongs the Southeast Indian Ridge rift valley with a slight change of orientation (12°). The half spreading rate and trend of this ridge are 2.73 cm a^-1 and N152° respectively. In contrast, the Southwest Indian Ridge close to the triple junction is expressed by two deep-valleys (4300 and 5000 m deep) which abut the southwestcrn flanks of the two other ridges, and appears to be a stretched area without axial neovolcanic zone. The evolution of the RTJ is analysed for the past one million years. The instantaneous velocity triangle formed by the three ridges cannot be closed indicating that the RTJ is unstable. A model is proposed to explain the evolution of the unstable RRF Rodriguez Triple Junction. The model shows that the axis of the Central Indian Ridge is propressively offset from the axis of the Southeast Indian Ridge at a velocity of 0.14 cm a^-1, the RTJ being restored by small jumps. This unstable RRF model explains the directions and offsets which are observed in the vicinity of the triple junction. The structure and evolution of the RTJ is similar to that of the Galapagos Triple Junction located in the East Pacific Ocean and the Azores Triple Junction located in the Central Atlantic Ocean.     

Spreading of Antarctic Bottom Water and its effects on the floor of the Indian Ocean inferred from bottom-water potential temperature,turbidity, and sea-floor photography

Data on bottom-water potential temperature, turbidity and current indications show that in the Southern Ocean west of the Kerguelen Plateau, Antarctic Bottom Water (AABW) of Weddell Sea origin spreads northwards from the Atlantic—Indian Basin in two directions: (1) AABW enters the Agulhas Basin through relatively deep areas in the Mid-Indian Ridge at 20–25°E and possibly at 35°E, and flows northwards into the Mozambique Basin as far as its northern limits; (2) a more easterly spreading path extends from the Atlantic—Indian Basin through the Crozet into the Madagascar, Mascarene, Somali and Arabian Basins. The passage in the western branch of the Indian Ridge for the AABW spreading from the Crozet into the Madagascar Basin appears to be at 29-26°S and 60–64°E.East of the Kerguelen Plateau in the South Indian Basin, the bottom water formed mainly along the Adélie Coast and Ross Sea travels west towards the Kerguelen Plateau and then parallel to it. This water finally flows eastwards hugging the Southeast Indian Ridge. Significant deviations from this general circulation pattern occur due to local topographic effects. Some AABW in the South Indian Basin exits through a passage at 120–125°E in the region of the Australian—Antarctic discordance in the Southeast Indian Ridge and enters the South Australian Basin and subsequently the Wharton Basin. This passage is clearly indicated by the northward extension of a cold, bottom-water tongue as shown by the temperature distribution in the region; the bottom-water effects in the passage are reflected in the high turbidity and current lineations on the sea floor.In the Southern Ocean basins, bottom-water turbidity is generally high, reflecting in part the strong bottom-water activity. The effects of AABW circulation on the sea floor—in the form of well-developed small- or large-scale current ripples and erosional/depositional features, manganese-nodule formations, and unconformities and reworking of sediments observed in cores — are also marked in these basins. Even though the AABW in the Wharton Basin is cold, its spreading effects on the sea floor are minimal in this basin in contrast to the basins west of the Mid-Indian Ridge at comparable latitudes.     

The Kerguelen Province revisited: Additional constraints on the early development of the Southeast Indian Ocean

The Kerguelen Province, consisting of two oceanic plateaus (Kerguelen, Broken Ridge) and three basins (Enderby, Labuan and Diamantina), covers a large area of ocean floor in the southeast Indian Ocean. As very few magnetic anomalies have been identified in this area and only a few basement ages from the Kerguelen Plateau are known, reconstruction models of the Kerguelen Province are not well constrained. In an effort to gain more understanding about the evolution of this area, we have used satellite gravity to identify additional fracture zones. As they are likely to be associated with high frequency and low amplitude gravity anomalies, we have computed the vertical derivative map instead of the regular satellite gravity map. Using this approach, we have identified a series of fracture zones in the Enderby Basin, which are aligned with the Mesozoic fracture zones in the Perth Basin and converge to the Kerguelen Fracture Zone. In the conjugate Bay of Bengal, we traced an equivalent pattern of fracture zones which, together, better constrain the early evolution of this part of the Indian Ocean. Synthesis of these images and the other available data from the Kerguelen Province, suggests that the spreading of India from both Australia and Antarctica is closely related. Spreading between the three continents appears to have begun about the same time, in the early Cretaceous and thus, the accretion of some parts of the Kerguelen Province must have occurred before the onset of the quiet magnetic period at 118 Ma. At about 96–99 Ma, when the spreading direction in the Indian Ocean had changed into a N-S direction, it also took place throughout the Kerguelen Province. We find that previously proposed slow spreading in the Diamantina Zone and Labuan Basins, between 96–99 Ma and the initiation of the Southeast Indian Ridge at 43 Ma, could not have taken place. Furthermore, we suggest that there is growing evidence that the same is true for spreading in the eastward continuation of the Diamantina Zone and Labuan Basin, between Australia and Antarctica. Initiation of spreading in this area is likely to be contemporaneous with the spreading in the Kerguelen Province and, thus, older than 96–99 Ma. This revised version was published online in November 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

A survey of the Indian ocean triple junction trace within the Antarctic plate. Implications for the junction evolution since 15 Ma.

The junction between oceanic crust generated, within the Antarctic plate, at the Southeast Indian Ridge and the Southwest Indian Ridge has been studied using a SEABEAM swathe bathymetry mapping system and other geophysical techniques between the Indian Ocean Triple Junction (approximately 25°S, 70° E), and a point some 500 km to the southwest (at 28°25 S, 66°35 E). The morphotectonic boundary which marks this trace of the ridge-ridge-ridge triple junction is complex and varies with age. Recent theories proposing a cyclicity of volcanic and tectonic processes at this mode of triple junctions appear to be supported by a series of regularly spaced, en echelon escarpments facing the slowly spreading (0.6 to 0.8 cm a^-1, half rate) Southwest Indian Ridge axis. The en echelon escarpments intersect at approximately right angles with the regularly spaced oceanic spreading fabric formed on the Antarctic plate at the Southeast Indian Ridge and together locally flank uplifted northward-pointing corner sections of ocean floor. The origins for the localised elevations are unclear, but may relate to intermittent and/or alternating rifting and volcanic episodes. Variations of degree of asymmetry and/or obliquity in spreading on the Central Indian Ridge and the Southwest Indian Ridge are suggested to explain detailed structural changes along the triple junction trace. It is suggested that discontinuities of the trace may be related to an intermittent development of new spreading centres beneath the most easterly part of the Southwest Indian Ridge, coupled with a more continuous process beneath the faster spreading Central Indian Ridge (2 to 2.5 cm a^-1) and the Southeast Indian Ridge (2.5 to 3 cm a^-1). A detailed history of triple junction evolution may be thus inferred from basic morphological and structural mapping along the three triple junction traces.     

Analysis of multi-channel seismic reflection and magnetic data along 13° N latitude across the Bay of Bengal

Analysis of the multi-channel seismic reflection, magnetic and bathymetric data collected along a transect, 1110 km long parallel to 13° N latitude across the Bay of Bengal was made. The transect is from the continental shelf off Madras to the continental slope off Andaman Island in water depths of 525 m to 3350 m and across the Western Basin (bounded by foot of the continental slope of Madras and 85° E Ridge), the 85° E Ridge, the Central Basin (between the 85° E Ridge and the Ninetyeast Ridge), the Ninetyeast Ridge and the Sunda Arc. The study revealed eight seismic sequences, H1 to H8 of parallel continuous to discontinuous reflectors. Considering especially depth to the horizons, nature of reflection and on comparison with the published seismic reflection results of Currayet al. (1982), the early Eocene (P) and Miocene (M) unconformities and the base of the Quaternary sediments (Q) are identified on the seismic section. Marked changes in velocities also occur at their boundaries.In the Western Basin the acoustic basement deepening landward is inferred as a crystalline basement overlain by about 6.7 km of sediment. In the Central Basin possibly thicker sediments than in the Western Basin are estimated. The sediments in the Sunda Arc area are relatively thick and appears to have no distinct horizons. But the entire sedimentary section appears to be consisting of folded and possibly faulted layers.The comparatively broader wavelength magnetic anomalies of the Central Basin also indicate deeper depth of their origin. Very prominent double humped feature of the 85° E Ridge and broad basement swell of the Ninetyeast Ridge are buried under about 2.8 km thick sediments except over the prominent basement high near 92° E longitude. The positive structural relief of the buried 85° E Ridge in the area is reflected in magnetic signature of about 450 nT amplitude. Flexural bulge of the 85° E Ridge and subsidence of the Ninetyeast Ridge about 24 cm my^–1 rate since early Eocene period have been inferred from the seismic sequence analysis.     

The crustal nature of the northern Mozambique Ridge,Southwest Indian Ocean

The Mozambique Ridge (MOZR) is one of the basement high structures located in the Southwest Indian Ocean, parallel to the Southeast African continental margin. It was formed as a result of the tectono-magmatic evolution of the Gondwana breakup. The origin of the MOZR has been highly debated, with models suggesting either continental or oceanic origin. With new free-air gravity anomaly and multichannel seismic (MCS) reflection data, we present results of 2D density modeling along two seismic profiles acquired by R/V Xiangyanghong 10 at the northern Mozambique Ridge (N-MOZR) between 26°S and 28°S. We observed high free-air gravity anomaly and strong positive magnetic anomaly related to the emplaced seaward dipping reflectors (SDR) and high density lower crustal body (HDLCB), and high Bouguer gravity anomaly associated with the thinning of the continental crust underneath the N-MOZR over a distance of ~82 km. This suggests a thinned and intruded continental crust bound by the Mozambique Fracture Zone (MFZ) that is characterized by gravity low and negative magnetic anomaly. This fracture zone marks the continent-ocean boundary (COB) while the N-MOZR is the transform margin high, i.e., marks the continent-ocean transition (COT) of the Southern Mozambique margin, following the definition of transform margins. We suggest that the N-MOZR was formed by continental extension and subsequent breakup of the MFZ, accompanied by massive volcanism during the southward movement of the Antarctica block. The presence of SDR, HDLCB, and relatively thick oceanic crust indicates the volcanic nature of this transform margin.     

Segmentation of the Central Indian Ridge between 12°12′ S and the Indian Ocean Triple Junction

The present morphology and tectonic evolution of more than 1500 kilometres of the Central Indian Ridge are described and discussed following the integration of GLORIA side-scan sonographs with conventional geophysical datasets. Segmentation of the ridge occurs by a series of ridge axis discontinuities ranging in periodicity along strike from 275 km to less than 30 km. These segment boundaries we have classified into two types: first order fracture zones of offsets greater than 50 km which bound five major (mega-) segments, and smaller scale structures of a variety of offset styles and amplitudes which cut four of these segments. We refer to these as ridge-axis discontinuities. The frequent opposite sense of offset identified between the first order structures and the subordinate discontinuities between these major structures is interpreted as resulting from the adjustment to new kinematic parameters after magnetic anomaly 20. As far as our data allows us to determine, the central major segment is not subdivided by minor ridge axis discontinuities, which we suggest is a result of its proximity to the Rodriguez hotspot.     

Natural thermoluminescence of fossil foraminiferals as a potential proxy for deep-sea temperature changes

Foraminiferal shells from two piston cores separately located at the Ninetyeast Ridge and the Bengal Fan of the Indian Ocean were selected and purified for measurements of natural thermoluminescence （NTL） intensity by a high precision thermoluminescence meter （RGD-3）. Variations of the NTL intensity along the two core sequences both spanning the last two glacial--interglacial cycles displayed a strong, identical signal of the global ice volume cycles, which matched well with their corresponding oxygen isotope data. As higher NTL intensity occurred within interglacial periods and changes in an NTL signal were most likely influenced by the temperature of ambient seawater in which the planktonic foraminiferal shells long existed, the NTL signal could be considered as a potential proxy for orbital scale temperature changes of bottom seawater in the tropical Indian Ocean.