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Structural asymmetry of the TAG Rift Valley: Evidence from a near‐bottom survey for episodic spreading
Author(s) -
Kleinrock Martin C.,
Humphris Susan E.
Publication year - 1996
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 - 10.1029/96gl03073
Subject(s) - geology , rift valley , bathymetry , rift , asymmetry , classification of discontinuities , ridge , volcano , mid atlantic ridge , seismology , accretion (finance) , crust , paleontology , oceanography , tectonics , mathematical analysis , physics , mathematics , quantum mechanics , astrophysics
Comprehensive high‐resolution sidescan sonar imagery, swath bathymetry, and photographic data from the TAG rift valley (Mid‐Atlantic Ridge, 26°N) suggest significant asymmetry in crustal accretion. Discontinuities and asymmetry in structural and volcanic morphology and age distribution about the spreading axis suggest a recent episode of preferential accretion of crust to the east throughout the central 10 km of this spreading segment. Such episodes may contribute to the long‐term spreading asymmetry in the area.