Collaborative Research: A Deeptow Magnetic Survey of the Jurassic Quiet Zone

Texas A&M Research Foundation, College Station TX

Investigators

Abstract

The nature of the magnetic Jurassic Quiet Zone is unresolved because Jurassic ocean crust occurs in only a few locations. New results have been obtained at Ocean Drilling Project Hole 801C suggesting up to six polarity reversals or intensity events within the Jurassic. This project will conduct a nested set of near-bottom deeptow magnetic profiles encompassing the region around 801C and then expanding out to extend the existing 1992 deeptow lines south to the magnetic rough-smooth boundary which is thought to define the end of the spreading sequence in the area. The deeptowed magnetic survey will boost the signal to noise ratio, reduce the diurnal noise problem and mitigate the attenuation due to water depth.