Widespread Active Detachment Faulting and Core Complex Formation Near 13 Degrees 30'N on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge

Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Woods Hole MA

Investigators

Abstract

Abstract (0649566 Smith) Intellectual Merit: This research reconstructs the formation and development of the multitude of oceanic core complexes recently observed on and off the mid-ocean spreading axis in the 13oN region of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge. The research has two primary components: reduction, analysis, and modeling of the bathymetry and magnetic data to clarify ridge spreading history and establish the characteristics and opening history of individual core complexes; and the correlation of these data with other regions on the ridge that show intense and continuous seismicity and core complex morphology. The second objective should yield new insights about core complex formation and has the potential to improve significantly our understanding of how core complexes are initiated and evolve. This should help us to understand the nature and mechanisms of operation of large detachment faults and why they initiate and why they become inactive. Broader Impacts: The work will support graduate student training and research results will be included in class work, where applicable. Results will also be used in the exposure of high school students to the study of the deep seafloor and plate tectonics.