Oceanic detachment faulting: How, where and why do they form?

by

Javier Escartin

From IPGP, Paris

Oceanic core complexes in the oceanic lithosphere result from long-lived faulting (typically 1-3 Myrs), with the exposure at the seafloor of fault planes with corrugations parallel to extension. They form along slow- and ultra-slow spreading ridges , and to date tens of these structures have been identified, and indicate a mode of oceanic accretion primarily controlled by low magmatic supply to the axis. These structures uplift and expose deep seated rocks, and active detachment systems at the ridge axis often host hydrothermal activity and significant seismic activity. Recent geological and geophysical studies combined with 3D numerical models provide constraints  on the conditions that lead to detachment formation, and on their evolution over time.

 

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Published Mar. 14, 2019 2:27 PM - Last modified July 3, 2023 11:44 AM