ACCRETION OF THE OCEANIC CRUST IN THE MID-ATLANTIC RIDGE (48°–51.5° N) IN THE PROCESS OF “DRY” SPREADING

Abstract

The paper is based on geological and geophysical data obtained during 53-th expedition of the research vessel “Akademik Nikolaj Strakhov”. We analyze the structure of Mid-Atlantic Ridge segment, 400 km long in the North Atlantic (between 48° and 51.5° N). According to our studies, this segment is characterized by specific structures formed during the formation of the oceanic crust with reduced basaltic melts supply, which, with going extension in the rift valley, leads to tectonic outcropping of deep lower crustal and mantle rocks. Such processes, called “dry” spreading, were previously unknown in the North Atlantic.