Insight into the nature of the ocean-continent transition off West Iberia from a deep multichannel seismic reflection profile

Abstract

Research Article| December 01, 1996 Insight into the nature of the ocean-continent transition off West Iberia from a deep multichannel seismic reflection profile S. L. B. Pickup; S. L. B. Pickup 1Southampton Oceanography Centre, Southampton SO14 3ZH, United Kingdom Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar R. B. Whitmarsh; R. B. Whitmarsh 1Southampton Oceanography Centre, Southampton SO14 3ZH, United Kingdom Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar C. M. R. Fowler; C. M. R. Fowler 2Department of Geology, Royal Holloway, Egham TW20 0EX, United Kingdom Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar T. J. Reston T. J. Reston 3GEOMAR, Wischhofstrasse 1-3, D24148 Kiel, Germany Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar Geology (1996) 24 (12): 1079–1082. https://doi.org/10.1130/0091-7613(1996)024<1079:IITNOT>2.3.CO;2 Article history first online: 02 Jun 2017 Cite View This Citation Add to Citation Manager Share Icon Share Facebook Twitter LinkedIn MailTo Tools Icon Tools Get Permissions Search Site Citation S. L. B. Pickup, R. B. Whitmarsh, C. M. R. Fowler, T. J. Reston; Insight into the nature of the ocean-continent transition off West Iberia from a deep multichannel seismic reflection profile. Geology 1996;; 24 (12): 1079–1082. doi: https://doi.org/10.1130/0091-7613(1996)024<1079:IITNOT>2.3.CO;2 Download citation file: Ris (Zotero) Refmanager EasyBib Bookends Mendeley Papers EndNote RefWorks BibTex toolbar search Search Dropdown Menu toolbar search search input Search input auto suggest filter your search All ContentBy SocietyGeology Search Advanced Search Abstract A high-quality multichannel seismic reflection profile across the West Iberia margin confirms the existence of a 130-km-wide transition zone between tilted continental fault blocks and unequivocal oceanic crust. The zone is characterized by a 1.0–2.5-km-thick seismically unreflective upper basement layer lying over reflective basement that contains major landward-dipping reflectors that mostly truncate against the base of the upper layer and penetrate to depths of 10–19 km below the basement surface, and minor seaward-dipping reflectors. Moho reflections are absent in this zone. We suggest that the unreflective layer represents tectonically exposed upper mantle that has undergone extensive serpentinization enhanced by vigorous seawater circulation. About 40 km farther north the transition zone narrows to 35 km and the unreflective layer is less continuous and widespread. This content is PDF only. Please click on the PDF icon to access. First Page Preview Close Modal You do not have access to this content, please speak to your institutional administrator if you feel you should have access.