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Evidence from three-dimensional seismic reflectivity images for enhanced melt supply beneath mid-ocean -ridge discontinuities

Author

Listed:
  • G. M. Kent

    (Cecil H. and Ida M. Green Institute of Geophysics and Planetary Physics, University of California, San Diego)

  • S. C. Singh

    (British Institutions Reflection Profiling Syndicate (BIRPS)
    University of Cambridge
    Institut de Physique du Globe de Paris)

  • A. J. Harding

    (Cecil H. and Ida M. Green Institute of Geophysics and Planetary Physics, University of California, San Diego)

  • M. C. Sinha

    (University of Cambridge
    University of Southampton)

  • J. A. Orcutt

    (Cecil H. and Ida M. Green Institute of Geophysics and Planetary Physics, University of California, San Diego)

  • P. J. Barton

    (University of Cambridge)

  • R. S. White

    (University of Cambridge)

  • S. Bazin

    (Cecil H. and Ida M. Green Institute of Geophysics and Planetary Physics, University of California, San Diego
    Institut de Physique du Globe de Paris)

  • R. W. Hobbs

    (British Institutions Reflection Profiling Syndicate (BIRPS))

  • C. H. Tong

    (University of Cambridge)

  • J. W. Pye

    (University of Cambridge)

Abstract

Quantifying the melt distribution and crustal structure across ridge-axis discontinuities is essential for understanding the relationship between magmatic, tectonic and petrologic segmentation of mid-ocean-ridge spreading centres. The geometry and continuity of magma bodies beneath features such as overlapping spreading centres can strongly influence the composition of erupted lavas1 and may give insight into the underlying pattern of mantle flow. Here we present three-dimensional images of seismic reflectivity beneath a mid-ocean ridge to investigate the nature of melt distribution across a ridge-axis discontinuity. Reflectivity slices through the 9° 03′ N overlapping spreading centre on East Pacific Rise suggest that it has a robust magma supply, with melt bodies underlying both limbs and ponding of melt beneath large areas of the overlap basin. The geometry of melt distribution beneath this offset is inconsistent with large-scale, crustal redistribution of melt away from centres of upwelling2,3. The complex distribution of melt seems instead to be caused by a combination of vertical melt transport from the underlying mantle and subsequent focusing of melt beneath a magma freezing boundary in the mid-crust.

Suggested Citation

  • G. M. Kent & S. C. Singh & A. J. Harding & M. C. Sinha & J. A. Orcutt & P. J. Barton & R. S. White & S. Bazin & R. W. Hobbs & C. H. Tong & J. W. Pye, 2000. "Evidence from three-dimensional seismic reflectivity images for enhanced melt supply beneath mid-ocean -ridge discontinuities," Nature, Nature, vol. 406(6796), pages 614-618, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:nature:v:406:y:2000:i:6796:d:10.1038_35020543
    DOI: 10.1038/35020543
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    Cited by:

    1. Matthew L. M. Gleeson & C. Johan Lissenberg & Paula M. Antoshechkina, 2023. "Porosity evolution of mafic crystal mush during reactive flow," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 14(1), pages 1-11, December.

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