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Deep crustal structure of the Tuamotu plateau and Tahiti (French Polynesia) based on seismic refraction data
Author(s) -
Patriat Martin,
Klingelhoefer Frauke,
Aslanian Daniel,
Contrucci Isabelle,
Gutscher MarcAndré,
Talandier Jacques,
Avedik Felix,
Francheteau Jean,
Weigel Wilfried
Publication year - 2002
Publication title -
geophysical research letters
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.007
H-Index - 273
eISSN - 1944-8007
pISSN - 0094-8276
DOI - 10.1029/2001gl013913
Subject(s) - geology , crust , intraplate earthquake , lithosphere , plateau (mathematics) , archipelago , seismology , volcanism , volcano , mantle (geology) , ridge , oceanic crust , tectonics , geophysics , paleontology , subduction , oceanography , mathematical analysis , mathematics
In French Polynesia, the young (<5Ma) Society Islands appear to result from intraplate volcanism, while the old (>50 Ma) Tuamotu plateau was likely created at or near the ridge axis. The structure of the crust between those two archipelagoes is constrained by a 300 km long refraction seismic profile. Crustal and upper mantle arrivals recorded by 6 OBHs and 3 land stations were used to provide a 2D model of the crust. Results of our study, combined with that of Grevemeyer et al. [2001] show a slight flexure below the Tahiti apron, while a deep crustal root (21 km) underlies the Tuamotu plateau. These structures reflect the different modes of load emplacement and compensation mechanisms between these two volcanic edifices, consistent with an increasing elastic thickness of the oceanic lithosphere with age.