Abstract
On the basis of the summary of basic characteristics of propagation, the dynamic model of the tectonic evolution in the Southwestern Subbasin (SWSB), South China Sea (SCS), has been established through high resolution multi-beam swatch bathymetry and multi-channel seismic profiles, combined with magnetic anomaly analysis. Spreading propagates from NE to SW and shows a transition from steady seafloor spreading, to initial seafloor spreading, and to continental rifting in the southwest end. The spreading in SWSB (SCS) is tectonic dominated, with a series of phenomena of inhomogeneous tectonics and sedimentation.
Highlights
On the basis of the summary of basic characteristics of propagation, the dynamic model of the tectonic evolution in the Southwestern Subbasin (SWSB), South China Sea (SCS), has been established through high resolution multi-beam swatch bathymetry and multi-channel seismic profiles, combined with magnetic anomaly analysis
Propagation of seafloor spreading in marginal sea basins usually have the following features and characteristics: (1) Propagating spreading sea basins show a V-shaped rifting and spreading and form typical triangle-shaped or triangle-like basins
The SWSB has similar characteristics to propagation of seafloor spreading, as it is formed by ridge propagation
Summary
The South China Sea, located at the convergence of three major plates (the Eurasian, Pacific, and Indo-Australian Plates), is considered to be a key site and natural laboratory for studying the conversation mechanism of basin dynamics. The early work of Taylor and Hayes [16] in the ESB has been generally accepted They identified magnetic anomaly C11–C5d from the margins to the center and the magnetic anomalies distributed symmetrically on both sides of the relic spreading ridge, which is occupied by the Huangyan Seamount Chain. The relatively few seamounts in the SWSB are mainly distributed along the relic spreading ridge and some local region of the northeastern side of the basin All of these indicate that magmatic activities in the SWSB in the late stage of expansion were obviously weaker than those in the ESB, and the spreading ridge still retains the characteristics of a central rift that are peculiar to slowspreading ridges. There is an especially urgent need to acquire new answers in order to lay a solid foundation for the establishment of a tectonic geodynamic model of the basin
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