Along-axis variations in seafloor spreading in the MARK area

Recent investigations with the manned submersible Alvin and the Angus deep-towed camera sled greatly extended the known range of variations in the style of seafloor spreading along the axis of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge. Five transects of the spreading center at intervals of 10-20 km south of the Kane Fracture Zone at 24 deg N latitude demonstate dramatic changes in the style and magnitude of tectonic extension, development of the neovolcanic zone, expression of hydrothermal venting, types of lithologic exposures, and morphology of the median valley.