Thermal Structure of the Cascadia Subduction Zone, Grays Canyon Discovery Corridor, Washington

Oregon State University, Corvallis OR

Investigators

Abstract

Heatflow measurements using a 3.5 m probe will be added to a scheduled experiment "Thermal structure of the cascadia subduction zone on the WA margin (PIs Johnson & Solomon, OCE-1144164). The probe temperature and thermal conductivity measurements will enhance the ~1 m depth heatflow determinations the main experiment will obtain. Improved assessment of possible bottom water temperature variation will be documented by deviations from linearity in the uppermost thermal gradient measured by the probe. One day of shiptime to conduct heat probe work is confirmed, a second day is requested if ship schedule allows. Postcruise numerical modeling of these data aims to constrain temperature structure extending down to the subducting plate interface, which is related to deep seismicity patterns.