Seismic and Radar Study of Recent Deformation In The Ross Sea-east Antarctica Area
Abstract
Seismic data from the western margin of the Ross Sea, obtained in the framework of the Italian expeditions to the area, show evidences of sea-floor deformation due to recent tectonic activity. The deformation of the sea-floor is related to the recent re- activation of crustal faults affecting the Cenozoic sequence to the acoustic basement. The time-analysis of the deformation suggests that part of these faults were active since the first rifting phases in the area (probably Late Jurassic) and are due to contin- ued strike-slip movements in the region which account for the formation of the whole Ross Embayment. The Discovery Graben exhibits structural features characteristic of fault-bend basins. Paleo-strain analysis based on local transpressions and transtensions related to releasing and restraining bends along the principal faults suggests a regional NW-SE strike-slip movement. Such deformation axis is aligned with the projection of regional transform faults which dislocate the SEIR (South East Indian Ridge) and cross the Southern Ocean. Radar data recently obtained by the Italian expeditions to the Northern Victoria Land and the Vostok-Dome C area reveal basement features probably correlated with the recent strike-slip deformation observed offshore.
- Publication:
-
EGS General Assembly Conference Abstracts
- Pub Date:
- 2002
- Bibcode:
- 2002EGSGA..27.6264P