Margins: Collaborative Research: Seismic and Geologic Study of Gulf of California Rifting and Magmatism

Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff AZ

Investigators

Abstract

Funding is provided for a seismic and structural geology experiment to delineate the geometries and patterns of crustal extension and rift magmatism along three main conjugate margins across Alarcon, Guaymas and Delfin Basins (to study the south to north seafloor-spreading to non-spreading mode) and a E-W profile along Wagner Basin (to study the low-angle detachment fault at depth). The questions to be addressed include, strain partitioning, volumetric and emplacement style of rift magmatism, along-axis differences in extension style and the influence of sedimentation on deformation. An integrated land-based and at sea study is planned for the next three years.