(SGER) - Investigating the Potential of Determining Short-Wavelength Crustal Density Variations in Fast-Spreading MOR Crust at 9 degrees 36' 38' N

Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Woods Hole MA

Investigators

Abstract

How magma is supplied to the crust at a mid-ocean ridge crest and the mode of emplacement - both processes which shape the basic architecture of extrusive oceanic crust - are crucial to understanding crustal accretion at MORs. Along-axis variations in crestal cross-sectional shape and area on fast-spreading MORs reflect the interplay between magmatic and tectonic processes which dictate the generation and partitioning of melt along the axis. Despite improvements in seismic techniques and detailed seafloor geologic mapping of selected areas on the MOR crest, our knowledge of the spatial and temporal variations of intrusion and eruption at MORs is very limited. Understanding the relationship between shallow crustal structure, seafloor morphology and the production and distribution of majma is crucual to our understanding of how oceanic crust forms.