Thin Crust, Ultramafic Exposures, and Rugged Faulting Patterns at Mid-Atlantic Ridge (22-Degrees 24-Degrees-N)

Publication Status is "Submitted" Or "In Press: 
LDEO Publication: 
Publication Type: 
Year of Publication: 
1995
Editor: 
Journal Title: 
Geology
Journal Date: 
Jan
Place Published: 
Tertiary Title: 
Volume: 
23
Issue: 
1
Pages: 
49-52
Section / Start page: 
Publisher: 
ISBN Number: 
0091-7613
ISSN Number: 
Edition: 
Short Title: 
Accession Number: 
ISI:A1995QB28200012
LDEO Publication Number: 
Call Number: 
Abstract: 

Off-axis rock sampling in the lat 22 degrees-24 degrees N region of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge shows that the emplacement of mantle-derived rocks in the sea floor has been a common process there for the past few million years. We find a good correlation between domains of positive residual gravity anomalies (inferred to have a thin crust) and the distribution of ultramafic samples. We also find that thin-crust domains have a rugged topography, thought to reflect strong tectonic disruption. We propose that these thin-crust domains are made of tectonically uplifted ultramafic rocks, with gabbroic intrusions and a thin basaltic cover. We also suggest that strong tectonic disruption may be a direct consequence of the lithological and rheological heterogeneity of these thin-crust domains.

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Qb282Times Cited:125Cited References Count:38

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