Collaborative Research: Test for a Chemical Component to the Uplift of Midplate Swells

Columbia University, New York NY

Investigators

Abstract

Funds are recommended for a 3-year project to study the seismic and density structure beneath the Bermuda hotspot swell. A combined refraction and reflection seismic survey is planned for year 1 and analysis of the data in years 2 and 3. The study will try to address a fundamental question in geodymanics, i.e., what is the reason for large areal relief associated with some hotspot volcanics? The survey will determine what portion of the swell is supported by crustal underplating and how the existence of the underplating may have influenced the history of the vertical motion for Bermuda.