New data on the structure of the sedimentary section on the Ita Mai Tai Guyot (Magellan Seamounts,Pacific Ocean)

The geological-prospecting investigations carried out by scientists from the Yuzhmorgeologiya State Scientific Center in the eastern segment of the Magellan Seamounts of the Pacific during the cruise of the R/V Gelendzhik in 2003–2010 brought new data on the topography of the Ita Mai Tai Guyot and its Lower Cretaceous-Pleistocene sedimentary section. The guyot is characterized by its complex irregular morphology with angular outlines being complicated by numerous relief mesoforms: spurs, scarps, and volcanic cones and domes. It is shown that the sedimentary cover was formed during a long period. The analysis of the organic macro- and microfaunal remains from the sedimentary rocks made it possible to define transgressive phases in the guyot’s development: the Albian-Cenomanian, the Late Campanian-Maastrichtian, and the late Paleocene-early Eocene. The oolitic limestone sequence recovered by DSDP Hole 202 is determined to be the Albian in age. Based on the original and published data, the geological development of the guyot was analyzed in comparison with other similar structures of the Magellan Seamounts.