Seismic structure of the northern margin of the Gulf of Aden
Abstract
In 2003 and 2005, two temporary seismological networks allowed to image the lithospheric structure of the northern margin of the Gulf of Aden in the Dhofar area (Sultanate of Oman). The most striking result from these studies is certainly the presence of two very low velocity zones between 60 and 200 km depth, where partial melt most probably happens. Even though the margins are expected to be non-volcanic there, some recent works show quaternary volcanic activity in the reagion. Each of these areas is located on the alignment of a main fracture zone: Socotra and Alula-Fartak. Yet, despite good lateral resolution, we are unable to faithfully determine the depth extent of these low velocity zones, their timing and their relation with the Aden ridge and/or the Afar plume. In order to fulfil our understanding of this particularly complex area, we deployed 50 broadband instruments in Yemen in March 2009. The stations are organized in three profiles roughly perpendicular to the main tectonics features, and located in west, central and east Yemen. This new study should help answering key questions: (1) Do similar melting zones extend in the western (volcanic) part of the Gulf of Aden? (2) Is there a difference in the lithospheric structure between the volcanic and non-volcanic part of the Gulf? (3) What is the influence of the Afar plume on the lithosphere of the Arabian Plate and how far can we follow it?
- Publication:
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AGU Fall Meeting Abstracts
- Pub Date:
- December 2009
- Bibcode:
- 2009AGUFM.T24D..02B
- Keywords:
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- 8105 TECTONOPHYSICS / Continental margins: divergent;
- 8180 TECTONOPHYSICS / Tomography