Abstract
In 1996, bathymetric data and backscattering imagery were gathered along a 20 km‐wide NW‐SE transect across the West Philippine Basin (WPB), between Taiwan and the Palau‐Kyushu Ridge. These data reveal fine‐scaled structures of the fossil spreading axis from which we infer episodes of oblique deformation and diminished magmatic supply resulting from cessation of spreading. An original NE‐SW seafloor fabric is observed in the basin northeast of the Benham volcanic plateau. Since this trend is oblique to the more common E‐W and NW‐SE seafloor fabrics known in the WPB, it could be the result of overlap of two segments of the spreading axis. Several rhomboidal structures exist in the vicinity of the rift valley, suggesting that dextral shear occurred along the central basin rift axis during the last spreading phase. The E‐W spreading segments associated with N‐S nontransform discontinuities that occur between 127°E and 132°E were probably cross‐cut during a final, largely amagmatic, extensional phase to produce a N130° ‐trending deep rift valley.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
