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Magmatism controls global oceanic transform fault topography

Author

Listed:
  • Xiaochuan Tian

    (Boston College)

  • Mark D. Behn

    (Boston College)

  • Garrett Ito

    (University of Hawaii)

  • Jana C. Schierjott

    (University of Hawaii)

  • Boris J. P. Kaus

    (Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz)

  • Anton A. Popov

    (Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz)

Abstract

Oceanic transform faults play an essential role in plate tectonics. Yet to date, there is no unifying explanation for the global trend in broad-scale transform fault topography, ranging from deep valleys to shallow topographic highs. Using three-dimensional numerical models, we find that spreading-rate dependent magmatism within the transform domain exerts a first-order control on the observed spectrum of transform fault depths. Low-rate magmatism results in deep transform valleys caused by transform-parallel tectonic stretching; intermediate-rate magmatism fully accommodates far-field stretching, but strike-slip motion induces across-transform tension, producing transform strength dependent shallow valleys; high-rate magmatism produces elevated transform zones due to local compression. Our models also address the observation that fracture zones are consistently shallower than their adjacent transform fault zones. These results suggest that plate motion change is not a necessary condition for reproducing oceanic transform topography and that oceanic transform faults are not simple conservative strike-slip plate boundaries.

Suggested Citation

  • Xiaochuan Tian & Mark D. Behn & Garrett Ito & Jana C. Schierjott & Boris J. P. Kaus & Anton A. Popov, 2024. "Magmatism controls global oceanic transform fault topography," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 15(1), pages 1-9, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:15:y:2024:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-024-46197-9
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-46197-9
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. W. Roger Buck & Luc L. Lavier & Alexei N. B. Poliakov, 2005. "Modes of faulting at mid-ocean ridges," Nature, Nature, vol. 434(7034), pages 719-723, April.
    2. Patricia M. Gregg & Jian Lin & Mark D. Behn & Laurent G. J. Montési, 2007. "Spreading rate dependence of gravity anomalies along oceanic transform faults," Nature, Nature, vol. 448(7150), pages 183-187, July.
    3. Fabio Crameri & Grace E. Shephard & Philip J. Heron, 2020. "The misuse of colour in science communication," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 11(1), pages 1-10, December.
    4. Ingo Grevemeyer & Lars H. Rüpke & Jason P. Morgan & Karthik Iyer & Colin W. Devey, 2021. "Extensional tectonics and two-stage crustal accretion at oceanic transform faults," Nature, Nature, vol. 591(7850), pages 402-407, March.
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