A new formation model of the Atlantic-Arctic heterochronous rifting system: A concept and basic provisions

Abstract

A new formation model of the global Atlantic-Arctic heterochronous rifting system is substantiated, according to which the Central and North Atlantics, Labrador-Baffin seas, and Arctic Ocean represent morpho-tectonic elements of different orders of the united recent Atlantic-Arctic Ocean. Evolution of the global rift system of this ocean includes three stages: the first stage (D–J1) was expressed by establishment of a tectonic zone in the lithosphere of Pangea with formation of the ophiolite ultrabasite-gabbro association; the second stage (J1–₽1) represented stretching of the continental crust to form depressions and uplifts with areal manifestation of trap magmatism of Cretaceous and other ages; and the third one (₽2–present) is neotectonic-magmatic reactivation with formation of a middle ridge, that is being accompanied by outpouring of glassy basalts and by hydrothermal manifestations. Within the framework of this model, the history of formation is reconstructed of the Eurasian Basin and the Gakkel Ridge, that were included in the Russia's updated application for expansion of the outer continental shelf border.