The structure and evolution of the Kerguelen-Heard Plateau, the northern domain of the Kerguelen-Gaussberg Ridge, is derived from stratigraphic interpretation of multichannel seismic profiles. The Kerguelen-Heard Plateau was created between 130 and 100 Ma at or near an active spreading center in the gap between the Antarctica-Australia plate and the India plate. From the early Late Cretaceous (about 100 Ma) to the Eocene (42–45 Ma) the Kerguelen-Heard Plateau was a shallow marine structure continuously subsiding at a rate of about 20 m Ma −1 and covered by pelagic and shelf sediments. At 42–45 Ma the Kerguelen-Heard Plateau and Broken Ridge were clearly separated by sea-floor spreading at the Southeast Indian Ridge. From 42–45 Ma to the Miocene, a major gap of sedimentation occurred. Later the Kerguelen-Heard Plateau was covered by pelagic sediments, interbedded with thick clastic sedimentary layers coming essentially from Kerguelen Island.