Structure and dynamics of plate boundaries in the Indian Ocean based on gravity anomalies

Abstract

The Indian Ocean has been the site of numerous geophysical investigations which commenced during the International Indian Ocean Expedition. In this paper gravity surveys are reviewed which have been undertaken since this international effort to elucidate the structure and evolution of the most complex of the three major oceans. Particular attention is paid to the interrelationship between the plate boundaries and the gravity field. Some selected boundaries are discussed in the framework of global plate tectonics. These areas comprise the Red Sea, Gulf of Aden and the Indonesian deep sea trench. In addition the continental margin structure south of India is included which provides some further constraints on the location of the initial break-up of Gondwanaland and consequently bears on pre-drift reconstructions of India and Antarctica.