Direction Of Sea-floor Spreading Research Articles

Refining the final phase of the seafloor spreading process in the West Philippine Basin through the recalibration of magnetic isochrones

The evolution of the West Philippine Basin (WPB), the largest back-arc basin in the northwestern Pacific margin, remains unclear, mainly due to the lack of accurate magnetic chronological constraints. We integrate a newly acquired shipborne magnetic grid and EMAG2 data to investigate the final phase of seafloor spreading and post-spreading magma-poor extension in the WPB during the Eocene and Oligocene. An ∼800 km-long transect located in the eastern part of the WPB was modeled to recalibrate the magnetic isochrones. The results show that the seafloor spreading direction of the WPB rotated counterclockwise from ∼NE–SW to ∼NNE–SSW at ∼44 Ma (Isochrone C20r) and from ∼NNE–SSW to ∼N–S at ∼39 Ma (Isochrone C18n.1n). After the latter rotation, the spreading became unstable, decreased significantly, fluctuated, and finally ceased at ∼33 Ma (Isochrone C13n). The post-spreading magma-poor extension along the Central Basin Rift (CBR) driven by the initial opening of the Parece Vela Basin (PVB) began ∼4 Myr after the cessation of spreading. In the area east of ∼132°E, the CBR inherited the fossil spreading center, but to the west, it manifests a newly formed rift valley intersecting the segmented fossil spreading center. The destabilization of the spreading process in the marginal basin during its extinction phase was predominantly controlled by the dynamic process and stress field imposed by the adjacent plate boundaries.

Seismic Structure of the Lithosphere‐Asthenosphere System Beneath the Oldest Seafloor Revealed by Rayleigh‐Wave Dispersion Analysis

AbstractWe analyze seismic records collected at the oldest (170–180 Ma) Pacific seafloor using broadband dispersion array analysis. Using ambient noise and teleseismic waveforms, we measure Rayleigh‐wave phase velocities in a period range of 5–200 s that are inverted for array‐average one‐dimensional isotropic and azimuthally anisotropic shear‐wave velocity depth profiles from the crust to a depth of 300 km. The high‐velocity Lid and the low‐velocity zone are well‐resolved with velocity difference of ∼4%, whose transition occurs at depths between 80 and 100 km. The profile is compared with that obtained at the 130‐ and 140‐Ma seafloor. Accounting for the cooling effect due to the plate age difference, the low‐velocity zone of the oldest Pacific seafloor is ∼1.3% slower (∼110°C warmer) than that beneath the 140‐Ma seafloor, suggesting the occurrence of some reheating process beneath the oldest lithosphere. The azimuthal anisotropy at shallow depths (<50 km) is significantly different between the western and eastern areas of the array where the peak‐to‐peak amplitudes are estimated to be ∼2.8% and ∼1.6%, respectively. The fast direction is nearly parallel to the past seafloor spreading direction (perpendicular to the magnetic lineation) in the west, while it largely deviates in the east. The observed difference in azimuthal anisotropy may represent complicated evolution dynamics of the infant Pacific plate that involved a ridge‐ridge‐ridge triple junction.

Baffin Bay Composite Tectono-Sedimentary Element

Abstract Baffin Bay formed as a result of continental extension during the Cretaceous, which was followed by seafloor spreading and associated plate drift during the early to middle Cenozoic. The formation of an oceanic basin in the central part of Baffin Bay may have begun from about 62 Ma in tandem with the Labrador Sea opening, but the early spreading phase is controversial. Plate-kinematic models suggest that from Late Paleocene the direction of seafloor spreading changed to north–south, generating strike-slip movements along the transform lineaments, e.g. the Ungava Fault Zone and the Bower Fracture Zone, and structural complexity along the margins of Baffin Bay. The Baffin Bay Composite Tectono-Sedimentary Element (CTSE) represents a 3–7-km-thick Cenozoic sedimentary and volcanic succession that was deposited over oceanic and rifted continental crust since active seafloor spreading began. The CTSE is subdivided into 5 seismic mega-units that have been identified and mapped using a regional seismic grid tied to wells and core sites. Thick clastic wedges of likely Late Paleocene to Early Oligocene age (mega-units E and D2) were deposited within basins floored by newly formed oceanic crust, transitional crust, volcanic extrusives and former continental rift basins undergoing subsidence. The middle–late Cenozoic is characterized by fluvial–deltaic sedimentary systems, hemipelagic strata and aggradational sediment bodies deposited under the influence of ocean currents (mega-units D1, C and B). The late Pliocene to Pleistocene interval (mega-unit A) displays major shelf margin progradation associated with ice-sheet advance–retreat cycles resulting in the accumulation of trough-mouth fans and mass-wasting deposits in the oceanic basin. The Baffin Bay CTSE has not produced discoveries, although a hydrocarbon potential may be associated with Paleocene source rocks. Recent data have improved the geological understanding of Baffin Bay, yet large data and knowledge gaps remain.

A New Tectonic Model Between the Madagascar Ridge and Del Cano Rise in the Indian Ocean

AbstractThe southern Indian Ocean has several prominent aseismic ridges recognized as oceanic large igneous provinces (i.e., the Madagascar Ridge, Del Cano Rise, Crozet Plateau, and Conrad Rise) in the off‐axis areas of the Southwest Indian Ridge (SWIR). However, previously obtained magnetic survey lines are sparse and not correctly aligned with the seafloor spreading direction; thus, the detailed spreading history, including the formation of these aseismic ridges, remains an open question. We reconstructed the tectonic history of two segments between the Discovery II and Gallieni fracture zones in the SWIR using newly obtained magnetic data (total and vector magnetic field) and an open‐source magnetic data set. We revealed that the southern Madagascar Ridge and the Del Cano Rise once formed a single bathymetric high and separated by at least Chron 30y, which is quite different from the global age model. In addition, the rises may have formed before Chron 34y, assuming an extinct ridge south of the Del Cano Rise. The two rises have been recognized as having formed by Marion hotspot plume‐induced excess volcanism around the active spreading ridge of the SWIR, which can explain locally isostatically compensated thicker‐than‐normal crust. However, linear magnetic anomalies have not been observed across the main part of these rises, suggesting that magmatic activity controlled by seafloor spreading is unlikely. Like other aseismic ridges in the southern Indian Ocean, these two rises may possibly have been formed partly by continental fragments rather than plume‐induced excess volcanism.

Magnetic Constraints on Off‐Axis Seamount Volcanism in the Easternmost Segment of the Australian‐Antarctic Ridge

AbstractThe Australian‐Antarctic Ridge (AAR) is an intermediate‐spreading rate system located between the Southeast Indian Ridge and Macquarie Triple Junction of the Australian‐Antarctic‐Pacific plates. KR1 is the easternmost and longest AAR segment and exhibits unique axial morphology and various volcanic structures. We identified three asymmetric seamount chains positioned parallel to the seafloor spreading direction, which were indicative of prevalent off‐axis volcanism in the vicinity of segment KR1. Two‐dimensional magnetic modeling was used to predict the magnetization polarity of the seamounts, as well as to constrain their formation time and duration. The magnetic modeling revealed that the majority of the examined seamounts were formed over a period of less than ∼600 kyrs. The seamount formation primarily occurred during two distinct volcanic pulses from 0.16–1.14 to 1.58–2.69 Ma. A temporal gap of 200–650 kyrs between the formation time of the seamounts and seafloor was estimated for certain seamounts that were formed much later than their underlying seafloor and at a distance of 10–20 km from the KR1 axis. Typically, such off‐axis seamount activity is related to axial mantle convection caused by excessive magma supply near the ridge crest. Considering the scale of off‐axis volcanism and thickening lithosphere ∼20 km away from the axis with intermediate‐spreading rates, small‐scale upwelling made feasible by the fertile mantle heterogeneity is proposed as the mechanism for the seamount formations at off‐axis distances, and the geochemically enriched compositions of the seamounts support this alternative explanation.

Ridge jump reorientation of the South China Sea revealed by high‐resolution magnetic data

AbstractWe establish a high‐resolution magnetic isochron pattern in the East Subbasin (ESB) of the South China Sea (SCS) based on recently collected magnetic data, which provides an updated age of seafloor spreading in the ESB and reveals a new type of ridge reorientation. Seafloor spreading in the ESB initiated at Chron 11n.1r (29.7 Ma) and ceased shortly after Chron 5Br (15.6 Ma). Successive ridge jumps occurred between Chrons 9r and 7n, which explains the substantial asymmetric geometry of the ESB. Furthermore, the ridge reorientation associated with ridge jumps highlights a new ridge reorientation model in which the ridge jumps off‐axis and reorients synchronously to adapt to the new direction of seafloor spreading. In the ESB, this type of reorientation responds more rapidly to changes in the direction of plate motion than gradual ridge rotation.

Late Cretaceous Ridge Reorganization, Microplate Formation, and the Evolution of the Rio Grande Rise – Walvis Ridge Hot Spot Twins, South Atlantic Ocean

AbstractRio Grande Rise (RGR) and Walvis Ridge (WR) are South Atlantic large igneous provinces (LIPs), formed on the South American and African plates, respectively, mainly by volcanism from a hot spot erupting at the Mid‐Atlantic Ridge (MAR) during the Late Cretaceous. Both display morphologic complexities that imply their tectonic evolution is incompletely understood. We studied bathymetry, gravity, and vertical gravity gradient maps derived from satellite altimetry to trace faults providing indications of seafloor spreading directions and changes. We also examined magnetic anomalies for time constraint and reflection seismic data for structural information. Abyssal hill fabric and magnetic anomaly data indicate that the area between RGR and WR was anomalous between anomalies C34 (83.6 Ma) and C30 (66.4 Ma) owing to reorganization of a right‐lateral transform on the MAR. This event began ∼92 Ma as the transform shifted south to form multiple, short‐offset right‐lateral transforms, with the reorganization extending through anomaly C34 and ending before anomaly C30. Anomalous spacing of magnetic anomalies and discordant fault fabric indicate that a microplate formed with a core of Cretaceous Quiet Zone seafloor. As the MAR jumped eastward, this microplate was captured by the South American plate and now resides mostly in a basin between the main RGR plateau and a related ridge to the east (East Rio Grande Rise). The microplate is ringed by igneous massifs, implying a link with volcanism. The results presented here indicate that these two LIPs had a complex Late Cretaceous history that belies simple hot spot models.

Pacific‐Panthalassic Reconstructions: Overview, Errata and the Way Forward

AbstractWe have devised a new absolute Late Jurassic‐Cretaceous Pacific plate model using a fixed hot spot approach coupled with paleomagnetic data from Pacific large igneous provinces (LIPs) while simultaneously minimizing plate velocity and net lithosphere rotation (NR). This study was motivated because published Pacific plate models for the 83.5‐ to 150‐Ma time interval are variably flawed, and their use affects modeling of the entire Pacific‐Panthalassic Ocean and interpretation of its margin evolution. These flaws could be corrected, but the revised models would imply unrealistically high plate velocities and NR. We have developed three new Pacific realm models with varying degrees of complexity, but we focus on the one that we consider most realistic. This model reproduces many of the Pacific volcanic paths, modeled paleomagnetic latitudes fit well with direct observations, plate velocities and NR resulting from the model are low, and all reconstructed Pacific LIPs align along the surface‐projected margin of the Pacific large low shear wave velocity province. The emplacement of the Shatsky Rise LIP at ~144 Ma probably caused a major plate boundary reorganization as indicated by a major jump of the Pacific‐Izanagi‐Farallon triple junction and a noteworthy change of the Pacific‐Izanagi seafloor spreading direction at around chron M20 time.

Global Eocene tectonic unrest: Possible causes and effects around the North American plate

Many of our planet's “crises” were the result of sudden changes in plate tectonic configuration or catastrophic outbursts of volcanism caused by mantle plume impingement at the base of the lithosphere. At the Paleocene-Eocene boundary and in the Early Eocene several mantle plumes, continental collision and mid-ocean ridge subduction triggered a series of changes in seafloor spreading dynamics. We have constructed a detailed global model of oceanic lithosphere age and spreading rates for the 60 to 35 Ma interval. We revise evidence for changes in seafloor spreading direction in the North Atlantic, Arctic and NE Pacific oceans. At least two periods of spreading rate highs, which are separated by sharp value decrease, occurred along the entire eastern North American plate boundary from C25 to C18 time (c. 57 to 40 Ma). The collision and incipient subduction of the Early Eocene Siletzia oceanic LIP may have caused the sharp decrease in spreading rate at C23 time in the Labrador Sea and north of Charlie-Gibbs fracture zone. The post C23 rapid Farallon slab-break-off and subsequent upper mantle flow upwelling may have led to further variations in North Atlantic spreading rates at C22-21 time. Eastward Pacific subduction may have resumed at c. 43 Ma as indicated by a steady NE Pacific seafloor-spreading regime which resumed at or shortly after C21. The North Atlantic realm shows a delayed response to tectonic events west of North America, with an increase in spreading rate south of Charlie-Gibbs fracture zone from C20 to C18 time, followed by a steady decrease until the Oligocene. North American Late Paleocene-Early Eocene kimberlite magma that erupted more than 1000 km from its western plate boundary constitutes additional evidence that tectonic stresses due to changes in the mantle-lithosphere interactions may have affected the entire plate, and therefore also its eastern boundaries.

Initial Opening of the Eurasian Basin, Arctic Ocean

Analysis of the transition from the NE Yermak Plateau into the oceanic Eurasian Basin sheds light on the Paleocene formation of this Arctic basin. Newly acquired multichannel seismic data with a 3600 m long streamer shot during ice-free conditions enables the interpretation of crustal structures. Evidence is provided that no major compressional deformation affected the NE Yermak Plateau. The seismic data reveal that the margin is around 80 km wide and consists of rotated fault blocks, major listric normal faults, and half-grabens filled with syn-rift sediments. Taking into account published magnetic and gravimetric data, this setting is interpreted as a rifted continental margin, implying that the NE Yermak Plateau is of continental origin. The transition from the Yermak Plateau to the oceanic Eurasian Basin might be located at a prominent basement high, probably formed by exhumed mantle. In contrast to the Yermak Plateau margin, the North Barents Sea continental margin shows a steep continental slope with a relatively abrupt transition to the oceanic domain. Based on one composite seismic line, it is speculated that the initial opening direction of the Eurasian Basin in the Arctic Ocean was highly oblique to the present day seafloor spreading direction.

Alignment between seafloor spreading directions and absolute plate motions through time

AbstractThe history of seafloor spreading in the ocean basins provides a detailed record of relative motions between Earth's tectonic plates since Pangea breakup. Determining how tectonic plates have moved relative to the Earth's deep interior is more challenging. Recent studies of contemporary plate motions have demonstrated links between relative plate motion and absolute plate motion (APM), and with seismic anisotropy in the upper mantle. Here we explore the link between spreading directions and APM since the Early Cretaceous. We find a significant alignment between APM and spreading directions at mid‐ocean ridges; however, the degree of alignment is influenced by geodynamic setting, and is strongest for mid‐Atlantic spreading ridges between plates that are not directly influenced by time‐varying slab pull. In the Pacific, significant mismatches between spreading and APM direction may relate to a major plate‐mantle reorganization. We conclude that spreading fabric can be used to improve models of APM.

Dual subduction tectonics and plate dynamics of central Japan shown by three-dimensional P-wave anisotropic structure

The central Japanese subduction zone is characterized by a complex tectonic setting affected by the dual subduction of oceanic plates and collisions between the island arcs. To better understand of the subduction system, we performed an anisotropic tomography analysis using P-wave arrival times from local earthquakes to determine the three-dimensional structure of P-wave azimuthal anisotropy in the overriding plate and the Pacific and Philippine Sea (PHS) slabs. The principal characteristics of anisotropy in the subducted and subducting plates are (1) in the overriding plate, the distribution pattern of fast direction of crustal anisotropy coincides with that of the strike of geological structure, (2) in the two oceanic plates, fast propagation directions of P-wave were sub-parallel to the directions of seafloor spreading. Additionally, our tomographic images demonstrate that (1) the bottom of the Median Tectonic Line, the longest fault zone in Japan, reaches to the lower crust, and seems to link to the source region of an inter-plate earthquake along the PHS slab, (2) the segmentation of the PHS slab – the Izu Islands arc, the Nishi-Shichito ridge, and the Shikoku basin – due to the formation history, is reflected in the regional variation of anisotropy. The tomographic study further implies that there might be a fragment of the Pacific slab suggested by a previous study beneath the Tokyo metropolitan area. The overall findings strongly indicate that seismic anisotropy analysis provide potentially useful information to understand a subduction zone.

Age and tectonic evolution of the northwest corner of the West Philippine Basin

To understand the tectonic characteristics and age of the northwestern part of the West Philippine Basin (WPB), multi-beam bathymetry and geomagnetic data have been collected and analyzed. The seafloor morphology obviously shows NW–SE trending seafloor fabrics and NE–SW trending fracture zones, indicating a NE–SW seafloor spreading direction. An overlapping spreading center near 22°20′N and 125°E is identified. Besides, numerous seamounts indicate an excess supply of magma during or after the oceanic crust formation. A V-shaped seamount chain near 21°52′N and 124°26′E indicates a southeastward magma propagation and also indicates the location of the seafloor spreading ridge. On the basis of the newly collected geomagnetic data, the magnetic anomaly shows NW–SE trending magnetic lineations. Both bathymetry and geomagnetic data reveal NE–SW seafloor spreading features between the Gagua Ridge and the Luzon Okinawa fracture zone (LOFZ). Our magnetic age modeling indicates that the age of the northwestern corner of the WPB west of the LOFZ is between 47.5 to 54 Ma (without including overlapping spreading center), which is linked to the first spreading phase of the WPB to the east of the LOFZ. In addition, the age of the Huatung Basin is identified to be between 33 to 42 Ma, which is similar to the second spreading phase of the WPB.

Estimation of azimuthal anisotropy in the NW Pacific from seismic ambient noise in seafloor records

We analysed background surface waves in seismic ambient noise by cross-correlating continuous records of eight ocean bottom seismometers and nine differential pressure gauges deployed in the northwestern Pacific Ocean by the PLATE project. After estimating the clock delay and instrumental phase responses of differential pressure gauges by using cross-correlation functions, we measured average phase velocities in the area of the array for the fundamental-, first higher- and second higher-mode Rayleigh waves, and the fundamental-mode Love waves at a period range of 3–40 s by waveform fitting. We then measured phase-velocity anomalies of fundamental-mode and first higher-mode Rayleigh waves for each pair of stations at a period range of 5–25 s, and corrected the effect of variation in water-depths. The seismic anomalies imply the presence of strong azimuthal anisotropy beneath the eastern part of array. The direction of maximum velocity is approximately N35°E in the fossil seafloor spreading direction perpendicular to magnetic lineations from the ancient triple junction at this location. The peak-to-peak intensity of shear-wave velocity anisotropy in the mantle is ∼7 per cent.

Variations in amount and direction of seafloor spreading along the northeast Atlantic Ocean and resulting deformation of the continental margin of northwest Europe

The NE Atlantic Ocean opened progressively between Greenland and NW Europe during the Cenozoic. Seafloor spreading occurred along three ridge systems: the Reykjanes Ridge south of Iceland, the Mohns Ridge north of the Jan Mayen Fracture Zone (JMFZ), and the Aegir and Kolbeinsey Ridges between Iceland and the JMFZ. At the same time, compressional structures developed along the continental margin of NW Europe. We investigate how these compressional structures may have resulted from variations in the amount and direction of seafloor spreading along the ridge system. Assuming that Greenland is rigid and stationary, we have used a least squares method of palinspastic restoration to calculate differences in direction and rate of spreading along the Reykjanes, Kolbeinsey/Aegir and Mohns Ridges. The restoration generates relative rotations and displacements between the oceanic segments and predicts two main periods of left‐lateral strike slip along the main oceanic fracture zones: (1) early Eocene to late Oligocene, along the Faeroe Fracture Zone and (2) late Eocene to early Oligocene and during the Miocene, along the JMFZ. Such left‐lateral motion and relative rotation between the oceanic segments are compatible with the development of inversion structures on the Faeroe‐Rockall Plateau and Norwegian Margin at those times and probably with the initiation of the Fugløy Ridge in the Faeroe‐Shetland Basin during the Eocene and Oligocene. The Iceland Mantle Plume appears to have been in a position to generate differential seafloor spreading along the NE Atlantic and resulting deformation of the European margin.

Seismic structures of the 154–160 Ma oceanic crust and uppermost mantle in the Northwest Pacific Basin

We present detailed P-wave velocity models for the Northwest Pacific Basin which were produced in 154–160 Ma at a high seafloor spreading half-rate of >8 cm/yr and have not been appreciably deformed by tectonic or igneous activity since then. We carried out wide-angle seismic experiments on two crossing survey lines which are respectively parallel and perpendicular to paleomagnetic lineations. The seismic crustal models for both lines are almost identical and homogeneous along these lines. The crust consists of an upper layer (Layer 2) with a P-wave velocity V p = 2.5–6.8 km/s and a thickness of 1.3–2.2 km, and a lower layer (Layer 3) with a velocity of 6.8–7.1 km/s and a thickness of 4.6–5.9 km. These characteristics indicate that the crust beneath the survey line has a standard oceanic crustal structure. The structure of the uppermost mantle of the line parallel to the seafloor spreading direction exhibits considerable V p heterogeneity within 5 km immediately below the Moho and shows an unusually high V p of 8.5–8.7 km/s. The P n velocity for the perpendicular line is 7.9 km/s, and the magnitude of the velocity anisotropy for the uppermost mantle amounts to a large value of 7–10%.

Late Pliocene to Early Quaternary extensional detachment in the La Paz–El Cabo area (Baja California Sur, Mexico): implications on the opening of the Gulf of California and the mechanics of oblique rifting

Terra Nova, 22, 64–69, 2010 Abstract We demonstrate that Pliocene to Early Quaternary sedimentary formations in Baja California Sur (Mexico) were deposited syn-tectonically over a major detachment associated with the exhumation of Mesozoic crust. The detachment dips to the ENE and is associated with E–W stretching. This large extensional structure strikes almost parallel to the general trend of the Gulf of California and extension is oblique to the East-Pacific seafloor-spreading direction. Crustal-scale stretching in this area was still active after the beginning of seafloor spreading c. 3.6 Ma ago. The detachment is capped by Late Pleistocene–Holocene alluvial sediments the deposition of which seems to be partly syn-tectonic and controlled by minor stretching subparallel to the present-day North American–Pacific kinematic vector. We discuss the implications of our observations on strain partitioning during opening of the California Gulf as well as on the structure of the Gulf of California margin.

Anisotropic tomography of the Atlantic Ocean

Abstract We present the first regional three-dimensional model of the Atlantic Ocean with anisotropy. The model, derived from Rayleigh and Love wave phase velocity measurements, is defined from the Moho down to 300 km depth with a lateral resolution of about 500 km and is presented in terms of average isotropic S-wave velocity, azimuthal anisotropy and transverse isotropy. The cratons beneath North America, Brazil and Africa are clearly associated with fast S-wave velocity anomalies. The mid-Atlantic ridge (MAR) is a shallow structure in the north Atlantic corresponding to a negative velocity anomaly down to about 150 km depth. In contrast, the ridge negative signature is visible in the south Atlantic down to the deepest depth inverted, that is 300 km depth. This difference is probably related to the presence of hot-spots along or close to the ridge axis in the south Atlantic and may indicate a different mechanism for the ridge between the north and south Atlantic. Negative velocity anomalies are clearly associated with hot-spots from the surface down to at least 300 km depth, they are much broader than the supposed size of the hot-spots and seem to be connected along a north–south direction. Down to 100 km depth, a fast S-wave velocity anomaly is extenting from Africa into the Atlantic Ocean within the zone defined as the Africa superswell area. This result indicates that the hot material rising from below does not reach the surface in this area but may be pushing the lithosphere upward. In most parts of the Atlantic, the azimuthal anisotropy directions remain stable with increasing depth. Close to the ridge, the fast S-wave velocity direction is roughly parallel to the sea floor spreading direction. The hot-spot anisotropy signature is striking beneath Bermuda, Cape Verde and Fernando Noronha islands where the fast S-wave velocity direction seems to diverge radially from the hot-spots. The Atlantic average radial anisotropy is similar to that of the PREM model, that is positive down to about 220 km, but with slightly smaller amplitude and null deeper. Cratons have a lower than average radial anisotropy. As for the velocities, there is a difference between north and south Atlantic. Most hot-spots and the south-Atlantic ridge are associated with positive radial anisotropy perturbation whereas the north-Atlantic ridge corresponds to negative radial anisotropy perturbation.

Plate boundary reorganization at a large-offset, rapidly propagating rift

THE existence of rapidly spinning microplates along the southern East Pacific Rise has been documented by geophysical swath-mapping surveys1–6, and their evolution has been successfully described by an edge-driven kinematic model7. But the mechanism by which such microplates originate remains unknown. Proposed mechanisms1–10 have generally involved rift propagation11, possibly driven by hotspots or changes in direction of sea-floor spreading. Here we present geophysical data collected over the Earth's fastest spreading centre, the Pacific–Nazca ridge between the Easter and Juan Fernandez microplates (Fig. 1), which reveal a large-offset propagating rift presently reorganizing the plate boundary geometry. A recent episode of rapid 'duelling' propagation of the historically failing spreading centre in this system has created a 120 × 120 km overlap zone between dual active spreading centres, which may be the initial stage of formation of a new microplate.

Anisotropic reflection and transmission calculations with application to a crustal seismic survey from the East Greenland Shelf

A three‐component refraction data set recorded over the East Greenland Shelf contained two anomalous shear wave arrivals. The direct‐S phase emerged at the receiver as an apparent SH wave even though the airgun source was purely compressional. We have concluded that this arrival is the result of anisotropy in the upper crust. By employing a number of fairly simple techniques we were able to highlight a second, delayed quasi‐shear arrival and interpret shear wave splitting. Modeling of the polarization, amplitude, and delay time of direct‐S suggested that the anisotropy is due to aligned subvertical fractures perpendicular to the local seafloor spreading direction. The second shear arrival of interest is a P to S conversion from the Moho (PmS). The relative strength of this arrival suggests that the Moho is a sharp transition in this region. PmS also contained a significant transverse component but attempts to identify shear wave splitting were inconclusive. However, modeling revealed that the transverse PmS displacement may be due to anisotropy in the upper mantle (alignment of olivine crystals with the spreading direction), which causes the converted S reflection to have a significant SH (transverse) component. An understanding of, and ability to model, anisotropic reflection and transmission effects are essential to these interpretations. Therefore we also outline an efficient method to obtain all of the reflection and transmission coefficients at boundaries between anisotropic media. This has been incorporated into a new ray tracing package, A‐TRAK, based on asymptotic ray theory, capable of modeling three‐dimensional inhomogeneous media separated by curved interfaces.