Bathymetry of the Reykjanes Ridge

We present a series of 1:200,000 scale maps of the bathymetry of the Reykjanes Ridge. The data are divided into four maps, extending 630 km along the ridge axis and between 30 and 100 km off-axis. This compilation of bathymetry data is extremely detailed, gridded at approximately 100 m resolution, and with almost no gaps. The Reykjanes Ridge is one of the best examples of a hotspot-dominated ridge, whose characteristics are influenced by its proximity to the Iceland plume. Many fundamental questions may be addressed at the Reykjanes Ridge, which is why the BRIDGE programme identified it as one of its four regional projects. These maps represent a BRIDGE contribution to the general scientific community.     

Inertial and tidal shear variability above Reykjanes Ridge

Yearlong 75 kHz acoustic Doppler current profiler (ADCP) data were obtained well above Reykjanes Ridge (northern extension of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge (MAR)). The area is characterized by relatively large semidiurnal tidal (‘D₂’) currents that have (at lunar M₂) more than half a decade larger variance than inertial (f) currents. However, despite the relatively weak near-inertial kinetic energy, its vertical current shear shows larger magnitudes than at M₂ in an otherwise flat f−D₂ band limited between frequencies 0.74 and 1.35f, which equals the inertio-gravity wave bounds [σ_min, σ_max](N=f). N represents the buoyancy frequency. The shear in this band dominates all shear computed at 20 m effective vertical scale. As the kinetic energy spectrum peaks at M₂, but not (significantly) at S₂ and N₂, a difference in tidal (and inertial) scales and hence sources is observed. M₂-tides contribute mostly to large-scale coherent motions. The dominant incoherent f−D₂ shear is highly variable in time (∼2-day periodicity). Furthermore, inertial and tidal shear are more or less completely separated in space and time, each occurring in different layers in the vertical. The thin shear layers reflect the rapidly varying short vertical scale N_s profile, to within the ∼20 m limitation of ADCP data, rather than the large-scale smooth N_L. In each of large-N_s layers Ri≈1, probably. The yearlong smoothed shear magnitude follows N_L, but only as stable Ri≈5. The shear polarization is more circular than rectilinear, albeit varying with time, and highly symmetric around f. During transitions, e.g., between stratified and homogeneous layers and between waves from varying sources, near-circular motions can generate near-rectilinear shear in the direction of wave propagation (in the direction of the minor axis of the current ellipse). This contrasts with the possibility of near-rectilinear barotropic oscillatory motions generating near-circular shear under viscosity in shallow seas.     

Two-dimensionality of magnetic anomalies over Iceland and Reykjanes Ridge

The relationship between the magnetic anomalies over Iceland and those over Reykjanes Ridge is investigated using the data of the 1965 Dominion Observatory survey. A method is developed for determining the two-dimensionality of the anomalies from the component data measured in this survey. This method is based on testing the first and the second derivative of the magnetic potential with respect to the direction of two-dimensionality, using the component data along a single flight line. Testing the first derivative also yields the direction of two-dimensionality. The outcomes of the two tests (based on a single line) are compared with the observed two-dimensionality (established by narrowly spaced earlier surveys) of Reykjanes Ridge, showing good agreement. As the outcomes of the two tests provide complementary information they are combined into a single factor: A. This factor of two-dimensionality is very low for the anomalies over the shelf of Iceland indicating that the anomalies over Iceland cannot be continued directly into those over Reykjanes Ridge. Over Iceland A is generally low. Over the neovolcanic zone in eastern Iceland twodimensionality is associated with long wavelengths that are not present in the spectrum of the anomalies over Reykjanes Ridge. Thus, Reykjanes Ridge-type anomalies are absent with the exception of the central anomaly. This may not be used as evidence against crustal spreading since the kinematic model proposed by Pálmason for Iceland has a wide transition zone between rock of opposite polarity. The same model if computed for a mid-ocean ridge has narrow transition zones. The larger width of the transition zone blurs the anomalies related to the reversals of the earth magnetic field.     

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.     

末次间冰期以来门捷列夫洋脊南部冰盖对细颗粒沉积的控制作用

门捷列夫洋脊南部的粘土矿物沉积具有明确的物源,为追踪该区沉积环境的演变提供了良好的条件。末次间冰期以来,ARC7-E23孔中的粘土矿物记录表现出了非常显著的变化。结合沉积物粒度的端元组份和冰阀碎屑沉积,粘土矿物的变化模式表明,东西伯利亚冰盖(ESIS)的规模可能是控制细颗粒沉积的主要因素。在氧同位素2期(MIS2)和4期(MIS4),门捷列夫洋脊南部可能被ESIS所覆盖,几乎阻挡了所有来自加拿大和拉夫贴夫海陆架的沉积物,但允许大量来自东西伯利亚海陆架的细粒沉积物输入。只有当ESIS消融后,波弗特环流和越极流的相对强度以及搬运作用才成为了控制远源沉积物输入的主要因素。MIS3期的气候条件似乎最适合远源沉积物的输入,不仅提高了表层环流的流通性,也提供了足够多的搬运介质。     

Volcanic and Seismic Swarm Events on the Reykjanes Ridge and Their Similarities to Events on Iceland: Results of a Rapid Response Mission

On 21 May 1989, a major earthquake swarm on the Reykjanes Ridge at59°44 N, 29°32 W at a water depth of about 1000 m andabout 500 km southwest of Iceland was detected on both the WorldwideStandard Seismic Network (WWSSN) and Icelandic seismic networks. As part ofa multi-institutional response to this swarm, the Naval ResearchLaboratory arranged for a P3 Orion Aircraft to deploy sonobuoys and AXBTs inthe immediate vicinity of the swarm activity. The detection of the swarmmotivated a survey of the region in 1990, using the towed SeaMARC IIside-looking sonar system. In 1990–1991 the Russian ShirshovInstitute of Oceanology offered the use of its MIR deep-divingsubmersibles to investigate the rise axis for recent volcanism. During 1992,a scientific team comprised of five US and ten Russian scientists mobilizedthe twin, deep diving Russian submersibles to study the spreading axis ofthe Reykjanes Ridge. The resulting data analyses allows us to conclude thatthe 1989 seismic swarm event occurred adjacent to and east of the largeaxial high in the center of our survey area. The length, width and depthrange of the earthquakes were very similar to major seismic swarm eventsconfined to fissure systems in the Krafla region of Iceland. It is likelythat the earthquake swarm was located on a fresh, well-defined systemof fissures and faults extending south of the northernmost axial highstudied. The earthquake swarm was probably associated with an emanation oflava creating a region of high backscatter, located just to the east of thecentral axial high. In addition, the region of high-backscatterremains unsampled because it lay underneath the nadir of the processedSeaMARC tracks used to plan the submersible survey. However many sampleswere taken and structural studies of the evolving Reykjanes Ridge werecarried out.     

Recent tectonics of the Blanco Ridge,eastern blanco transform fault zone

Bathymetric, hydro-acoustic, seismic, submersible, and gravity data are used to investigate the active tectonics of the eastern Blanco Transform Fault Zone (BTFZ). The eastern BTFZ is dominated by the 150 km long transform-parallel Blanco Ridge (BR) which is a right-lateral strike-slip fault bordered to the east and west by the Gorda and Cascadia Depressions. Acoustic locations, fault-parameter information, and slip vector estimates of 43 earthquakes (M _w3.8) that occurred along the eastern BTFZ over the last 5 years reveal that the Blanco Ridge is a high-angle right-lateral strike-slip fault, with a small component of dip-slip motion, where the Juan de Fuca plate is the hanging wall relative to the Pacific plate. Furthermore, the Cascadia and Gorda basins are undergoing normal faulting with extension predominantly oblique to the transform trend. Seafloor submersible observations agree with previous hypotheses that the active transform fault trace is the elongate basin that runs the length of the BR summit. Brecciated and undeformed basalt, diabase, and gabbro samples were collected at the four submersible survey sites along the Blanco Ridge. These petrologic samples indicate the Blanco Ridge is composed of an ocean crustal sequence that has been uplifted and highly fractured. The petrologic samples also appear to show an increase in elevation of the crustal section from east to west along the Blanco Ridge, with gabbros exposed at a shallower depth farther west along the southern (Pacific plate side) BR ridge flank. Further supporting evidence for BR uplift exists in the seismic reflection profiles across the BR showing uplift of turbidite sequences along the north and south ridge base, and gravity and magnetics profiles that indicate possible basement uplift and a low-density zone centered on the ridge's Pacific plate side. The BR formation mechanism preferred here is first, uplift achieved partially through strike-slip motion (with a small dip-slip component). Second, seawater penetration along the fault into the lower crust upper mantle, which then enhanced formation and intrusion of a mantle-derived serpentinized-peridotite diapir into the shallow ocean crust, causing further uplift along the fault.     

Recent bottom-current activity in the deep western Bay of Bengal

We present several types of data which show that strong geostrophic bottom currents are present in a broad valley in the deep western Bay of Bengal adjacent to the Indian margin. Sea-floor photographs show well-developed current lineations with scour marks on the northern sides and sediment deposition tails on the southern sides of some objects (such as fecal pellets) suggesting strong southward-flowing bottom currents. A direct current measurement made in the region confirms this inferred flow direction. The nepheloid layer is much stronger in the western Bay of Bengal than in any other region of the northern Indian Ocean and indicates strong turbulence and a high concentration of suspended sediment at or near the sea floor. Additional data which do not provide unequivocal evidence for, but may also be indicative of, the existence of the bottom currents are as follows: the dispersal of the peninsular Indian rivers-derived smectite-rich sediments all along the valley to as far as south of Sri Lanka; a zone of sediment waves (as recorded on 3.5-kHz echograms) parallel to the regional trend of bathymetric contours along the Indian margin; and the frequent occurrence of thin, sharp and uniform layers of fine sand and silt beds rather than thick graded turbidite beds in the cores from the broad valley in the deep western Bay of Bengal.     

Magnetic studies over the northern extension of the Prathap Ridge complex,eastern Arabian Sea

The northern parts of the Prathap and Laccadive Ridge system, eastern Arabian Sea, consist of three parallel basement ridge peaks at varied depths. The topographic highs are associated with either well-developed or subdued magnetic signatures. Model studies, constrained by seismic results, determine the varied nature and depth to the top of the causative basement bodies. Similarities of the geophysical signatures of the ridges and their structural resemblance perhaps point to their common origin. Hence we propose that the Prathap Ridge complex may be a part of the Chagos-Laccadive Ridge system and formed because of the Reunion hotspot activity.     

Late Quaternary carbonate sedimentation at the Sierra Leone Rise (eastern equatorial Atlantic Ocean)

In the eastern equatorial Atlantic Ocean, changes in the concentration of carbonate in Late Quaternary sediments resulted from reduced production of carbonate in surface waters and increased dilution with non-carbonate sediments during glacial maxima. During glacial stages, production of carbonate in surface water (measured as its accumulation rate in shallow, undissolved cores) decreased by one half. The glacial accumulation rate of non-carbonate components increased 1.5 to 4 times over Holocene values; the greatest increases occurred in the deepest cores.

Carbonate dissolution during stages 2, 3 and 4 increased the proportion of foraminiferal fragments and decreased the accumulation rate of susceptible species in the deep sites. In shallow sites, slightly increased dissolution can be detected during stage 3 while greatly increased dissolution occurred during stage 4. Bathymetric profiles of foraminiferal fragmentation and accumulation document a shoaling of the foraminiferal lysocline by 1000 m during glacial isotopic stages. We present a mass balance model of sediment accumulation for carbonate and insoluble components and from this model we estimate the rate of downslope transport and dissolution of carbonate at the Sierra Leone Rise. Our results show that during stage 4 the rate of carbonate loss to dissolution was greater than the rate observed today or during other interglacial stages. The calculated rates of dissolution for stages 2 and 3 are not significantly different from those calculated for stage 1.     

Shallow structure of the eastern segment of the Mediterranean Ridge deduced from seismic and side-scan sonar data

 The eastern Mediterranean Ridge reveals a peculiar feature called the “United Nations Rise”. It is notable for its complex morphology, interior structure, and mud volcanism. Its unusual structural–morphological characteristics are explained by its location at a junction of the western and eastern branches of the ridge and by the probable tectonic escape of accretionary prism sediments from the west. The geophysical data on the shallow structure of the eastern ridge branch showed some unusual structural trends, which could not be expected from the overall tectonic stress distribution. They are interpreted as resulting from the southward expansion of the Hellenic Arc.     

Hydrocarbon gases in sediments and mud breccia from the central and eastern part of the Mediterranean Ridge

 Microbiologically produced hydrocarbon gases (HCGs) in normal pelagic sediments have lithologically controlled distribution – their content increases sharply in organic-rich sapropels. Generally, the HCG content is low (<10000 nl/l), The amount of heavy HCGs is high (up to 60%, unsaturated HCGs dominate the saturated ones, and ethylene is prevalent. The same features were found in sediment and mud breccia from inactive mud volcanoes. Thermogenic HCG was determined in active mud volcanoes and in a high salinity fluid vent. They are characterized by: high methane concentration, δ¹³C(CH₄) =−37.1 to −57.8%, essential ethane contents (2–7%), absence of unsaturated HCG, and the prevalence of iso-over n-butane.     

Complex sedimentation of the Holocene mud deposits in a ria-type coastal area,eastern Korea Strait

The innermost shelf of the eastern Korea Strait is a ria-type coastal sea comprising islands, intervening passageways and embayments. A detailed analysis of high-resolution (1−10 kHz) subbottom profiles and core sediments from this area reveals complicated depositional and distributional patterns of the Holocene mud deposits related to complex topography with varying supply of the adjacent Nakdong riverine sediments. Sediments from the Nakdong River were bifurcated around Gadeok Island, forming two proximal systems: Nakdong and western Gadeok systems. These proximal systems prograded offshore (southward) by active sediment supply from the Nakdong River in the early stage. Suspended sediments passing through the Nakdong system formed the distal (Gadeok Waterway and eastern Geoje) systems in the area between the northern Geoje and Gadeok islands. These distal systems show a northwestward (onshore) prograding tendency to Jinhae Bay, the biggest bay in the vicinity of the Nakdong estuary in which the Jinhae Bay system developed. In the late stage, a remarkable decrease of sediment supply from the Nakdong River has caused retrograding geometry of the two proximal systems. However, the most distal (Jinhae Bay) system has continuously prograded bayward due to the persistent supply of sediments resuspended by strong tidal currents from nearby distal (Gadeok Waterway and eastern Geoje) systems. These complex depositional features indicate that topography has an important influence on depositional developments of the Holocene mud deposits by controlling path and intensity of sediment dispersal and resuspension processes.     

Evidence for current-controlled sedimentation along the southern Mozambique continental margin since Early Miocene times

Major plastered drift sequences were imaged using high-resolution multichannel seismics during R/V Meteor cruises M63/1 and M75/3 south of the Mozambique Channel along the continental margin of Mozambique off the Limpopo River. Detailed seismic-stratigraphic analyses enabled the reconstruction of the onset and development of the modern, discontinuous, eddy-dominated Mozambique Current. Major drift sequences can first be identified during the Early Miocene. Consistent with earlier findings, a progressive northward shift of the depocenter indicates that, on a geological timescale, a steady but variable Mozambique Current existed from this time onward. It can furthermore be shown that, during the Early/Middle Miocene, a coast-parallel current was established off the Limpopo River as part of a lee eddy system driven by the Mozambique Current. Modern sedimentation is controlled by the interplay between slope morphology and the lee eddy system, resulting in upwelling of Antarctic Intermediate Water. Drift accumulations at larger depths are related to the reworking of sediment by deep-reaching eddies that migrate southward, forming the Mozambique Current and eventually merging with the Agulhas Current.     

Particle sedimentation patterns in the eastern Fram Strait during 2000–2005: Results from the Arctic long-term observatory HAUSGARTEN

Since 2000 long-term measurements of vertical particle flux have been performed with moored sediment traps at the long-term observatory HAUSGARTEN in the eastern Fram Strait (79°N/4°E). The study area, which is seasonally covered with ice, is located in the confluence zone of the northward flowing warm saline Atlantic water with cold, low salinity water masses of Arctic origin. Current projections suggest that this area is particularly vulnerable to global warming. Total matter fluxes and components thereof (carbonate, particulate organic carbon and nitrogen, biogenic silica, biomarkers) revealed a bimodal seasonal pattern showing elevated sedimentation rates during May/June and August/September. Annual total matter flux (dry weight, DW) at ～300 m depth varied between 13 and 32 g m^?2 a^?1 during 2000 and 2005. Of this total flux 6–13% was due to CaCO₃, 4–21% to refractory particulate organic carbon (POC), and 3–8% to biogenic particulate silica (bPSi). The annual flux of all biogenic components together was almost constant during the period studied (8.5–8.8 g m^?2 a^?1), although this varied from 27% to 67% of the total annual flux. The fraction was lowest in a year characterized by the longest duration of ice coverage (91 and 70 days for the calendar year and summer season, May–September, respectively). Biomarker analyses revealed that organic matter originating from marine sources was present in excess of terrigenious material in the sedimented matter throughout most of the study period. Fluxes of recognizable phyto- and protozooplankton cells amounted up to 60×10⁶ m^?2 d^?1. Diatoms and coccolithophorids were the most abundant organisms. Diatoms, mainly pennate species, dominated during the first years of the investigation. A shift in the composition occurred during the last year when numbers of diatoms declined considerably, leading to a dominance of coccolithoporids. This was also reflected in a decrease in the sedimentation of bPSi. The sedimentation of biogenic matter, however, did not differ from the amount observed during the previous years. Among the larger organisms, pteropods at times contributed significantly to both the total matter and CaCO₃, fluxes.     

Seafloor morphology in the Mozambique Channel: evidence for long-term persistent bottom-current flow and deep-reaching eddy activity

The Mozambique Channel plays a key role in the exchange of surface water masses between the Indian and Atlantic Oceans and forms a topographic barrier for meridional deep and bottom water circulation due to its northward shoaling water depths. New high-resolution bathymetry and sub-bottom profiler data show that due to these topographic constraints a peculiar seafloor morphology has evolved, which exhibits a large variety of current-controlled bedforms. The most spectacular bedforms are giant erosional scours in the southwest, where northward spreading Antarctic Bottom Water is topographically blocked to the north and deflected to the east forming furrows, channels and steep sediment waves along its flow path. Farther north, in the water depth range of North Atlantic Deep Water, the seafloor is strongly shaped by deep-reaching eddies. Steep, upslope migrating sediment waves in the west have formed beneath the southward flow of anticyclonic Mozambique Channel eddies (MCEs). Arcuate bedforms in the middle evolved through an interaction of the northward flow of MCEs with crevasse splays from a breach in the western Zambezi Channel levee. Hummocky bedforms in the east result from an interplay of East Madagascar Current eddies with overspill deposits of the crevasse and Zambezi Channel. All bedforms are draped with sediments indicating that the present-day current velocities are not strong enough to erode sediments. Hence, it can be concluded that the seafloor morphology developed during earlier times, when bottom-current velocities were stronger. Assuming a sedimentation rate of 20 m/Ma and a drape of at least 50 m thickness the bedforms may have developed during the Pliocene Epoch or earlier.     

The contribution of near-bed currents to modern sedimentation processes in the deep waters of the Hellenic Arc-Trench system, eastern Mediterranean

The effects of near-bed current activity on modern sedimentation were examined in various deepwater environments (>500 m) of the Hellenic Arc-Trench system. Near-bed currents were able to resuspend essentially flat beds covered by very fine sediments (>8.5 J) only when current speeds exceeded 11 cm s^-1. At lower speeds, the initiation of resuspension of the muddy sediments was related to increased hydraulic bed roughness resulting from biogenic benthic activity. As such, observed near-bed currents make different contributions to the regional sedimentation processes, i.e., at levels which are low in the Gulf of Corinth, moderate in the NW Aegean Sea and Zakynthos Channel, and high in the NE Ionian Sea.     

Modeling the effect of late Quaternary interglacial sea levels on wave-cut shore platforms

A mathematical wave erosional model was used to study the effect of high sea levels during the penultimate (oxygen isotopic stage 7) and last interglacials (substage 5e), and in the late Holocene (stage 1), on the present morphology of wave-cut shore platforms. Sea level was considered to have been either the same as today or 2.25 m lower during the penultimate interglacial, and 2.25, 4.5 or 6.75 m higher than today during the last interglacial stage. The model suggested that inherited, gently sloping shore platforms in resistant rocks may be essentially protected today from erosion by high storm waves. The lowest platform gradients were in runs with mesotidal (3 m) range, and usually with low wave periods, low surf attenuation rates and weak rocks. Modern platform gradients increased with the difference in elevation between sea levels during successive interglacial stages. Shore platforms were widest in runs in which sea level was the same as today in the penultimate interglacial and 4.5 m higher than today during the last interglacial. Constant sea level, and high, last interglacial sea levels with considerable overlapping between the zones of high duration values between the mean neap high and low tidal levels in stages 7, 5e and 1, were conducive to the development of wide shore platforms, whereas sea levels lower than today's in stage 7 tended to produce narrower platforms. In general, higher sea levels during the last interglacial tended to produce higher cliff–platform junctions than constant sea level, unless the sea was lower than today during the penultimate interglacial stage. There was a lack of supratidal ledges in macrotidal (9 m) model runs with high initial gradients; this suggests that gently sloping, inherited shore platforms are essential for the subsequent development of supratidal, nonstructural ledges in high tidal environments during periods of higher sea level. Intertidal ledges developed in the upper portion of the modern intertidal zone, under a variety of tidal and sea level conditions. These ledges can develop independently of lithological or structural influences, and without any change in sea level. A single high sea level may also simultaneously produce two ledges at different supratidal elevations in mesotidal environments.