Propagating rift model for the V-shaped ridges south of Iceland
Abstract
We present new marine geophysical data which constrain the seafloor spreading history of the Reykjanes Ridge near Iceland and the origin of its flanking V-shaped topographic and gravity ridges. Contrary to the geometry assumed in pulsing plume models, the V-shaped ridges are not symmetric about the Reykjanes Ridge axis, and seafloor spreading has not been symmetric about a stable axis. Thus, existing models must at least be modified to include an additional asymmetry-producing mechanism; the best understood and documented such mechanism is rift propagation. One possibility is that plume pulses drive the propagators. However, rift propagation also produces V-shaped wakes with crustal thickness variations, suggesting the possibility that a pulsing Iceland plume might not be necessary to explain the Reykjanes V-shaped ridges, scarps, and troughs.
- Publication:
-
Geochemistry, Geophysics, Geosystems
- Pub Date:
- March 2010
- DOI:
- 10.1029/2009GC002865
- Bibcode:
- 2010GGG....11.3011H
- Keywords:
-
- Marine Geology and Geophysics: Midocean ridge processes;
- Tectonophysics: Dynamics: convection currents;
- and mantle plumes;
- Marine Geology and Geophysics: Seafloor morphology;
- geology;
- and geophysics;
- mantle plume;
- hot spot;
- seafloor spreading;
- propagating rifts;
- Iceland;
- Reykjanes Ridge