Molybdenum isotope composition of the upper mantle and its origin:insight from mid-ocean ridge basalt

The molybdenum(Mo)isotope system is pivotal in reconstructing marine redox changes throughout Earth’s history and has emerged as a promising tracer for igneous and metamorphic processes.Understanding its composition and variation across major geochemical reservoirs is essential for its application in investigating high-temperature processes.However,there is debate regarding theδ^(98/95)Mo value of the Earth’s mantle,with estimates ranging from sub-chondritic to super-chondritic values.Recent analyses of global mid-ocean ridge basalt(MORB)glasses revealed significantδ^(98/95)Mo variations attributed to mantle heterogeneity,proposing a two-component mixing model to explain the observed variation.Complementary studies confirmed the sub-chondriticδ^(98/95)Mo of the depleted upper mantle,suggesting remixing of subduction-modified oceanic crust as a plausible mechanism.These findings underscore the role of Mo isotopes as effective tracers for understanding dynamic processes associated with mantle-crustal recycling.

Calcium isotopic signatures of depleted mid-ocean ridge basalts from the northeastern Pacific

A number of high-temperature processes(e.g.,melt-rock reactions,metasomatism,partial melting)can produce signifi cant Ca isotopic fractionation and heterogeneity in the mantle,but the mechanism for such fractionation remains obscure.To investigate the eff ect of mantle partial melting on Ca isotopic fractionation,we reported high-precision Ca isotopic compositions of depleted mid-ocean ridge basalts(MORBs)from the East Pacifi c Rise and Ecuador Rift in the northeastern Pacifi c.Theδ44/40 Ca of these MORB samples exhibit a narrow variation from 0.84‰to 0.88‰with an average of 0.85‰±0.03‰,which are similar to those of reported MORBs(0.83‰±0.11‰)and back-arc basin basalts(BABBs,0.80‰±0.08‰)in literature,but are lower than the estimate value for the bulk silicate Earth(BSE,0.94‰±0.05‰).The lowδ44/40 Ca signatures of MORB samples in this study cannot be caused by fractional crystallization,since intermediate-mafi c diff erentiation has been demonstrated having only limited eff ects on Ca isotopic fractionation.Instead,the off set ofδ44/40 Ca between MORBs and the BSE is most likely produced by mantle partial melting.During this process,the light Ca isotopes are preferentially transferred to the melt,while the heavy ones tend to stay in the residue,which is consistent with the fact thatδ44/40 Ca of melt-depleted peridotites increases with partial melting in literature.The behavior of Ca isotopes during mantle partial melting is closely related to the inter-mineral(Cpx and Opx)Ca isotopic fractionation and melting mineral modes.Mantle partial melting is one of the common processes that can induce lowerδ44/40 Ca values in basalts and Ca isotopic heterogeneity in Earth’s mantle.

Magma Dynamics of Axial Melt Lens at Fast-Spreading Mid-Ocean Ridges

Multichannel seismic studies performed at fastspreading mid-ocean ridges revealed the presence of a thin(tens to hundreds of meters high), narrow(< 1-2 km wide) axial melt lens(AML) in the mid-crust, which is underlain by crystal/melt mush that is in turn laterally surrounded by a transition zone of mostly solidified material. In order to shed light on the complexity of magmatic and metamorphic processes ongoing within and at the roof of axial melt lenses, we have focused on the petrological and geochemical record provided by fossilized AMLs. Of particular significance is Hole 1256D in the equatorial Pacific drilled by the International Ocean Discovery Program(IODP), where for the first time, the transition between sheeted dikes and gabbros in intact fast-spreading crust was penetrated, providing a drill core with a more or less continuous record of the upper part of an AML(Teagle et al., 2006;Koepke et al., 2008). This can be regarded as rosetta stone to answer longstanding questions on the complex magmatic evolution within an AML, as well as on metamorphic and anatectic processes ongoing at the roof of a dynamic AML, rising upward in the midcrust as a consequence of a replenishment event. The plutonic rocks drilled from Hole 1256D consist of quartz-bearing gabbros, diorites and tonalites, which might represent the upper part of a fossilized AML. The gabbros and diorites are consistent with modeled products of MORB fractional crystallization, composed of mixed melt and cumulate in varying ratios. Modeled trace elements support a model in which the tonalites originated from low-degree partial melting of the sheeted dikes overlying the AML, rather than extreme fractional crystallization(Erdmann et al., 2015;Zhang et al., 2017a). Therefore, the upper part of AML, largely composed of low density and high-viscosity felsic magmas, may serve as a barrier to eruptible MORB melts in the lower part of AML. Zoning of apatites from three different lithologies, tonalites, diorites, and gabbros, is common and shows a consistent evolution trend with depletion in Cl and REEs from core to rim. The cores are usually homogenous in composition and interpreted as magmatic origin, whereas zones with lower Cl and REEs are disseminated with heterogeneous concentrations, indicating exchanges with hydrothermal fluids. The high-Cl apatite core indicates assimilation of high-Cl brines at a magmatic stage, which is interpreted as immiscibility product from cycling seawater-derived fluids at a high temperature(Zhang et al., 2017b). The variation of F/Cl and Br/Cl ratios of bull rocks may reflect the mixing between MORB magmas and seawater-derived fluids, crystallization of apatite and amphibole, and/or extraction of magmatic fluids(Zhang et al., 2017c).

Model Forming of Mesoarchean Gridino Mafic Dyke Swarm during Subduction "Mid-Ocean Ridge – Continent"

The high-pressure metamorphosed Gridino dyke swarm comprises a major group of Mesoarchean 2.87-2.82 Ga mafic dykes intruded within the Mesoarchean continental crust of the Kola craton(the Belomorian tectonic province

Implications of the melting depth and temperature of the Atlantic mid-ocean ridge basalts

Mid-ocean ridge basalts(MORBs) are characterized by large variations in trace element compositions and isotopic ratios, which are difficult to be interpreted solely by using magmatic process such as partial melting of a peridotitic mantle and subsequently fractional crystallization. Geochemical diversity of MORBs have been attributed to large-scale heterogeneity within the underlying mantle, and the heterogeneity might have been caused by addition of recycled crustal component, subcontinental lithosphere, metasomatized lithosphere and outer core contribution. In this study, we investigated the MORBs along the Mid-Atlantic Ridge(MAR) by estimating the temperature and pressure of partial melting, and comprehensively comparing trace element and isotope ratios. The data for MORBs from areas close to mantle plumes show large variations. Mantle plumes can affect mid-oceanic ridges 1 400 km away, but plume effects did not cover all of the ridge segments, and those segments without plume effects did not have any abnormalities in temperature, trace element or isotope ratios.We ascribed the above phenomena to result from the shapes of the plume flow, which we categorized as "pipelike channels" and "pancake-like channels". The "pancake-like channels" plumes affected the ambient mantle nondirectionally, but the range of the mantle affected by the "pipe-like channels" plumes were selective. Element ratios of MORBs reveal that the mantle source of the MORBs along the MAR is highly heterogeneous. We suggest that most of source heterogeneities of the MORBs may be due to the presence of subducted slab and delaminated lower crust in the source. In addition, the plume that carried materials from the core-mantle boundary may affect some of the segments.

A Quantitative Method for Active Fault Migration Distance Assessment on both Sides of Mid-Ocean Ridges——Based on Multi-Beam Data

Fracture-fissure systems found at mid-ocean ridges are dominating conduits for the circulation of metallogenic fluid.Ascertaining the distribution area of active faults on both sides of mid-ocean ridges will provide a useful tool in the search for potential hydrothermal vents,thus guiding the exploration of modern seafloor sulfides.Considering the MidAtlantic Ridge 20°N–24°N(NMAR)and North Chile Rise(NCR)as examples,fault elements such as Fault Spacing(?S)and Fault Heave(?X)can be identified and quantitatively measured.The methods used include Fourier filtering of the multi-beam bathymetry data,in combination with measurements of the topographic slope,curvature,and slope aspect patterns.According to the Sequential Faulting Model of mid-ocean ridges,the maximal migration distance of an active fault on either side of mid-ocean ridges—that is,the distribution range of active faults—can be measured.Results show that the maximal migration distance of active faults at the NMAR is 0.76–1.01 km(the distance is larger at the center than at the ends of this segment),and at the NCR,the distribution range of active faults is 0.38–1.6 km.The migration distance of active faults on the two study areas is positively related to the axial variation of magma supply.In the NCR study area,where there is an abundant magma input,the number of faults within a certain distance is mainly affected by the variation of lithospheric thickness.Here a large range of faulting clearly corresponds to a high proportion of magmatism to seafloor spreading near mid-ocean ridges(M)value,and in the study area of the NMAR,there is insufficient magmatism,and the number of faults may be controlled by both lithospheric thickness and magma supply,leading to a less obvious positive correlation between the distribution range of active faults and M.

Microearthquake reveals the lithospheric structure at midocean ridges and oceanic transform faults

Mid-ocean ridge and oceanic transforms are among the most prominent features on the seafloor surface and are crucial for understanding seafloor spreading and plate tectonic dynamics,but the deep structure of the oceanic lithosphere remains poorly understood.The large number of microearthquakes occurring along ridges and transforms provide valuable information for gaining an indepth view of the underlying detailed seismic structures,contributing to understanding geodynamic processes within the oceanic lithosphere.Previous studies have indicated that the maximum depth of microseismicity is controlled by the 600-℃isotherm.However,this perspective is being challenged due to increasing observations of deep earthquakes that far exceed this suggested isotherm along mid-ocean ridges and oceanic transform faults.Several mechanisms have been proposed to explain these deep events,and we suggest that local geodynamic processes(e.g.,magma supply,mylonite shear zone,longlived faults,hydrothermal vents,etc.)likely play a more important role than previously thought.

Singularity of lithosphere mass density over the mid-ocean ridges and implication on floor depth and heat flow

The relation of heat flow and floor depth across the mid-ocean ridges versus lithosphere age can be described by linear functions of square root of age according to plate thermal conductive Half Space Models(HSM).However,one of the long-standing problems of these classical models is the discrepancies between predicted and observed heat flow and floor depth for very young and very old lithosphere.There have been several recent attempts to overcome this problem:one model incorporates temperature-and pressure-dependent parameters and the second model includes an additional low-conductivity crustal layer or magma rich mantle layer(MRM).Alternatively,in the current paper,the ordinary density of lithosphere in the plate conductive models is substituted with a reduction of lithosphere density towards axis that features the irregularity and nonlinearity of plates across the mid-ocean ridges.A new model is formulated incorporating the new form of density for predicting both peak heat flow and floor depth.Simple solutions of power-law forms derived from the model can significantly improve the predicting results of heat flow and floor depth over the mid-ocean ridges.Several datasets in the literature were reutilized for model validation and comparison.These datasets include both earlier datasets used for original model calibration and the more recently compiled high-quality datasets with both sedimentary and crustal loading corrections.The results indicate that both the heat flow and the slope(first orderderivative)of sea floor approach infinity(undifferentiability or singularities)around the mid-ocean ridges.These singularities are partially due to the boundary condition as it has been already known in the literature and partially to the reduction of density of lithosphere as discovered for the first time in the current research.

Genesis of ^(230)Th excess in basalts from mid-ocean ridges and ocean islands:Constraints from the global U-series isotope database and major and rare earth element geochemistry

Based on 230Th-238U disequilibrium and major element data from mid-ocean ridge basalts(MORBs) and ocean island basalts(OIBs),this study calculates mantle melting parameters,and thereby investigates the origin of 230Th excess.(230Th/238U) in global MORBs shows a positive correlation with Fe8,Po,Na8,and Fmelt(Fe8 and Na8 are FeO and Na2O contents respectively after correction for crustal fractionation relative to MgO = 8 wt%,Po=pressure of initial melting and Fmelt=degree of melt),while 230Th excess in OIBs has no obvious correlation with either initial mantle melting depth or the average degree of mantle melting.Furthermore,compared with the MORBs,higher(230Th/238U) in OIBs actually corresponds to a lower melting degree.This suggests that the 230Th excess in MORBs is controlled by mantle melting conditions,while the 230Th excess in OIBs is more likely related to the deep garnet control.The vast majority of calculated initial melting pressures of MORBs with excess 230Th are between 1.0 and 2.5 GPa,which is consistent with the conclusion from experiments in recent years that DU】DTh for Al-clinopyroxene at pressures of 】1.0 GPa.The initial melting pressure of OIBs is 2.2-3.5 GPa(around the spinel-garnet transition zone),with their low excess 226Ra compared to MORBs also suggesting a deeper mantle source.Accordingly,excess 230Th in MORBs and OIBs may be formed respectively in the spinel and garnet stability field.In addition,there is no obvious correlation of K2O/TiO2 with(230Th/238U) and initial melting pressure(Po) of MORBs,so it is proposed that the melting depth producing excess 230Th does not tap the spinel-garnet transition zone.OIBs and MORBs in both(230Th/238U) vs.K2O/TiO2 and(230Th/238U) vs.Po plots fall in two distinct areas,indicating that the mineral phases which dominate their excess 230Th are different.Ce/Yb-Ce curves of fast and slow ridge MORBs are similar,while,in comparison,the Ce/Yb-Ce curve for OIBs shows more influence from garnet.The mechanisms generating excess 230Th in MORBs and OIBs are significantly different,with formation of excess 230Th in the garnet zone only being suitable for OIBs.

Numerical Simulation of Multiple Collisions Between Ice Ridge and Polar Ship

Ships navigating in ice-covered regions will inevitably collide with ice ridges.Compared to other ice bodies,ice ridges exhibit more complicated mechanical behaviors due to the scale and structure characteristics.In this paper,nonlinear finite element method is used to investigate the interaction between a polar ship and an ice ridge.The ice ridge is modelled as elastic-plastic material based on Drucker-Prager yield function,with the consideration of the influence of cohesion,friction angle and material hardening.The material model is developed in LS-DYNA and solved using semi-implicit mapping algorithm.The stress distribution of ice ridge and ship,and the ice load history are evaluated through the simulation of multiple collisions.In addition,parametric analysis is performed to investigate the influence of ridge thickness and impact velocity on the ice load and energy absorption.

Cu-Zn isotope compositions of hydrothermal sediments from the southern Mid-Atlantic Ridge:implications to the sediment formation and mineral exploration

Six hydrothermal sediment samples were collected from the Xunmei and Tongguan hydrothermal fields along the southern Mid-Atlantic Ridge during the China Ocean Cruise DY46 in 2017.Sulfides and oxides in the samples were separated,and Cu and Zn isotope compositions were analyzed.Results show that the ranges ofδ^(65)Cu values of the bulk sediments,sulfides,and oxides were 0.36‰-2.46‰,-0.21‰-1.10‰,and 0.68‰-1.52‰,respectively.Theδ^(65)Cu values of sulfides in four samples(46II-14,46II-30,46III-06,and 46II-09)were relatively low(-0.21‰-0.50‰),corresponding to theδ^(65)Cu values of sulfides from inactive old hydrothermal chimneys in northern Mid-Atlantic Ridge(n MAR),suggesting that the sulfides in the sediments were originated from collapsed dead chimney mainly.While theδ^(65)Cu values of the other two samples(46III-02 and 46III-08)were relatively high(1.10‰-0.96‰),corresponding to theδ^(65)Cu values for active hydrothermal chimneys sulfides in n MAR,which indicated that the sulfides in these two samples might mainly come from sulfide particles settled from active hydrothermal plume.Because of the high density of sulfide particles,they tended to settle near the hydrothermal vents first.Therefore,highδ^(65)Cu values of sulfides in 46III-02 and 46III-08 implied that undiscovered active hydrothermal vents near the sampling positions of 46III-02 in the Xunmei hydrothermal field and 46III-08 in the Tongguan hydrothermal field.Theδ^(66)Zn values of hydrothermal sediments and sulfides ranged 0.11‰-0.43‰and 0.29‰-0.67‰,respectively.In the four samples from the Xunmei hydrothermal field,a positive correlation was found between the distance of the sampling position from sulfide mineralized spot and the Zn isotopic ratio,showing that the greater the distance from the mineralized spot,the heavier the Zn isotope composition as seen in two samples(46II-30 and 46II-14)of the Xunmei-3 spot.This result aligned with the findings of Wilkinson et al.(2005)and Baumgartner et al.(2023),suggesting that the lower the Zn isotope composition,the closer it is to the hydrothermal vent.However,in the Xunmei hydrothermal field,the Zn isotope composition in the other two samples(46III-02and 46III-06)showed the opposite trend.This indicated that there might be an active hydrothermal vent near the sampling location of sample 46III-02.This observation aligned with the Cu isotope analysis results.This study showed that Cu-Zn isotopes are good indicators for understanding the formation mechanisms of hydrothermal sediments and for locating active hydrothermal vents.

Discovery and characterization of a new hydrothermal field at 2°N on the slow-spreading Carlsberg Ridge

A new hydrothermal field(Tianshi)was discovered on the rift valley wall through plume anomaly surveys and geological work conducted in 2012 and 2018 between 2°35′N and 2°43′N of the slow-spreading Carlsberg Ridge(CR).Here,the results of two expeditions conducted to detect and characterize the new hydrothermal field are reported.Mineralogical and geochemical data,as well as 14 C ages of a sediment core collected near the field are presented to reveal the hydrothermal history.Results show that the Tianshi field is a basalt-hosted hydrothermal system.Geochemical data of the sediments collected near the field indicate a strong hydrothermal contribution,and hydrothermal Fe and Cu fluxes range from 30 to 155 mg/(cm^(2)·ka)and 0.59 to 11.49 mg/(cm^(2)·ka),respectively.Temporal variations in the fluxes of hydrothermal Fe indicate that there have been at least three amplified hydrothermal venting events(H 1,H 2,and H 3)in the Tianshi field over the last 35.2 ka,in 28.6-35.2 ka BP,22.0-27.6 ka BP,and 1.2-11.4 ka BP,respectively.Hydrothermal event H 2 was driven by an increased magmatic production associated with sea level fall during the Last Glacial Maximum,while event H 3 was promoted by tectonic activity associated with a rapid sea level rise.This study further verified the role of sea level change in modulating hydrothermal activity on mid-ocean ridges.

Hydrographic Characteristics and Oceanic Heat Flux in the Upper Arctic Ocean over the Alpha Ridge Observed by the DTOP Platform in 2018 and 2021

In 2018 and 2021,the Drift-Towing Ocean Profilers(DTOP)provided extensive temperature and salinity data on the upper 120m ocean through their drifts over the Alpha Ridge north of the Canada Basin.The thickness and temperature maximum of Alaska Coastal Water(ACW)ranged from 20m to 40m and-1.5℃to-0.8℃,respectively,and the salinity generally maintained from 30.2 to 32.5.Comparison with World Ocean Atlas 2018’s climatology manifested a 40m-thick and warm ACW roughly ex-ceeding the temperature maximum by 0.4–0.5℃in June–August 2021.This anomalously warm ACW was highly related to the ex-pansion of the Beaufort Gyre in the negative Arctic Oscillation phase.During summer,the under-ice oceanic heat flux F_(w)^(OHF)was elevated,with a maximum value of above 25Wm^(-2).F_(w)^(OHF)was typically low in the freezing season,with an average value of 1.2Wm^(-2).The estimates of upward heat flux contributed by ACW to the sea ice bottom F_(w)^(OHF)were in the range of 3–4Wm^(-2)in June–August 2021,when ACW contained a heat content of more than 80MJm^(-2).The heat loss over this period was driven by a weak stratification upon the ACW layer associated with a surface mixed layer(SML)approaching the ACW core.After autumn,F_(w)^(OHF)was reduced(<2 Wm^(-2))except during rare events when it elevated F_(w)^(OHF)slightly.In addition,the intensive and widespread Ekman suction,which created a violent upwelling north of the Canada Basin,was largely responsible for the substantial cooling and thinning of the ACW layer in the summer of 2021.

Characteristics of the Deep Crustal Structure of the Greenland–Iceland–Faroe Ridge in the North Atlantic

The Greenland–Iceland–Faroe Ridge,located between the central eastern part of Greenland and the northwestern edge of Europe,spans across the North Atlantic.As the core component of the Greenland–Iceland–Faroe Ridge,the Iceland is an alkaline basalt area,which belongs to the periodic submarine magmatism and submarine volcano eruption resulting from mantle plume upwelling(Jiang et al.,2020).For the oceanic plateaus,the characteristics of the Iceland are closest to the continental crust,so the Iceland is considered the most suitable for simulating the earliest continental crust on the Earth(Reimink et al.,2014).

Nuclear charge radius predictions by kernel ridge regression with odd-even effects

The extended kernel ridge regression(EKRR)method with odd-even effects was adopted to improve the description of the nuclear charge radius using five commonly used nuclear models.These are:(i)the isospin-dependent A^(1∕3) formula,(ii)relativistic continuum Hartree-Bogoliubov(RCHB)theory,(iii)Hartree-Fock-Bogoliubov(HFB)model HFB25,(iv)the Weizsacker-Skyrme(WS)model WS*,and(v)HFB25*model.In the last two models,the charge radii were calculated using a five-parameter formula with the nuclear shell corrections and deformations obtained from the WS and HFB25 models,respectively.For each model,the resultant root-mean-square deviation for the 1014 nuclei with proton number Z≥8 can be significantly reduced to 0.009-0.013 fm after considering the modification with the EKRR method.The best among them was the RCHB model,with a root-mean-square deviation of 0.0092 fm.The extrapolation abilities of the KRR and EKRR methods for the neutron-rich region were examined,and it was found that after considering the odd-even effects,the extrapolation power was improved compared with that of the original KRR method.The strong odd-even staggering of nuclear charge radii of Ca and Cu isotopes and the abrupt kinks across the neutron N=126 and 82 shell closures were also calculated and could be reproduced quite well by calculations using the EKRR method.

Environmental characteristics of trace metals in seawater from the Ninety East Ridge in the Indian Ocean

The Ninety East Ridge in the Indian Ocean has complex and unique characteristics.The concentrations and distribution characteristics of 10 trace metals(V,Cr,Mn,Fe,Co,Ni,Cu,Cd,Pb,and U)in seawater from the Ninety East Ridge in the Indian Ocean were investigated.Results show that the average concentrations of different trace metals in all the collected seawater samples were 1.134μg/L for V,0.158μg/L for Cr,0.489μg/L for Mn,0.427μg/L for Fe,0.011μg/L for Co,0.395μg/L for Ni,0.403μg/L for Cu,0.097μg/L for Cd,0.139μg/L for Pb,and 3.470μg/L for U.Differences in the horizontal and vertical distributions of all measured trace metals were revealed,and the occurrence of high concentrations was nonuniform.In addition,the significant differences in the concentration distribution of different trace metals in seawater on both sides of the Ninety East Ridge present regional segmentation in the area for various trace metals in deep sea water.This study provided basic data for future investigations on the environmental and ecological impact of trace metals in the Indian Ocean and the potential water mass transport mechanism.

High Water Content in Primitive Mid-Ocean Ridge Basalt from Southwest Indian Ridge(51.56oE):Implications for Recycled Hydrous Component in the Mantle

The Southwest Indian Ridge（SWIR） is an ultraslow spreading end-member of mid-ocean ridge system and is characterized by weak or even an absence of magmatism. The segment between Indomed（ITF） and Gallieni（GTF） transform faults in the SWIR, however, displays extremely magmatic accretion with an unusual thick crust（up to 9.5 km）. Although H_2O is present in trace amounts in the mantle, it has a strong influence on mantle melting and magmatism in the shallow crust. The mid-ocean ridge basalts（MORB） worldwide show strong variation in H_2O contents, but with a nearly uniform H_2O/Ce ratio. Regionally distinctive H_2O contents and H_2O/Ce ratios are inferred to be related to the H_2O variation in the source and can be used to constrain the mantle heterogenity. In this study, we measured the H_2O and trace elements of clinopyroxene phenocrysts from one basalt dredged from the ITF-GTF segment, SWIR（51.56 o E）. The estimated H_2O content（1.3 wt.%± 0.3 wt.%） in the primitive ITF-GTF basaltic melt is much higher than that in typical MORB samples, but similar to oceanic island basalts（OIB） and back-arc basalts（BABB）. In addition, the calculated H_2O/Ce ratio（1 672–4 990） are extremely high, bearing ＂arc-like＂ signature. This study provides evidence that arc-related hydrous components are involved in the mantle source beneath the ITF-GTF ridge segment. It further lends support to the hypothesis that the mantle beneath the central SWIR may have experienced an ancient hydrous melting event in an arc terrain prior to or during the closure of the Mozambique Ocean in the Neoproterozoic.

Structural features in the mid-southern section of the Kyushu–Palau Ridge based on satellite altimetry gravity anomaly

The Kyushu–Palau Ridge(KPR),an anti-S-shaped submarine highland at the center of the Philippine Sea Plate(PSP),is considered the residual arc of the Izu–Bonin–Mariana Island Arc,which retains key information about the cessation of the Western Philippine Basin(WPB)expansion and the Parece Vela Basin(PVB)breakup.Herein,using the new generation of satellite altimetry gravity data,high-precision seafloor topography data,and newly acquired ship-borne gravity data,the topographic and gravity characteristics of the KPR mid-southern section and adjacent region are depicted.The distribution characteristics of the faults were delineated using the normalized vertical derivative–total horizontal derivative method(NVDR-THDR)and the minimum curvature potential field separation method.The Moho depth and crustal thickness were inverted using the rapid inversion method for a double-interface model with depth constraints.Based on these results,the crust structure features in the KPR mid-southern section,and the“triangular”structure geological significance where the KPR and Central Basin Rift(CBR)of the WPB intersect are interpreted.The KPR crustal thickness is approximately 6–16 km,with a distinct discontinuity that is slightly thicker than the normal oceanic crust.The KPR mid-southern section crust structure was divided into four segments(S1–S4)from north to south,formed by the CBR eastward extension joint action and clockwise rotation of the PVB expansion axis and the Mindanao fault zone blocking effect.

Gravity Fault Subsidence and Beach Ridges Progradation in Quinta-Cassino (RS) Coastal Plain, Brazil

Ground penetrating radar (GPR) surveys have being applied to investigate very near-surface stratification of sedimentary units in coastal plains and to define their depositional conditions. This paper presents, however, low-frequency GPR survey to investigate fault-related depositional systems at greater depths. The Quinta-Cassino area in the Rio Grande do Sul Coastal Plain (RGSCP, Brazil) shows a wide strandplain that is made off by very long, continuous, and linear geomorphic features (beach ridges). This strandplain extends for ~70 km southward. The beach ridges show low-angle truncations against the Quinta escarpment, and also truncations in the strandplain. The traditional approach points that RGSCP was developed by juxtaposition of four lagoons/barrier systems as consequence of sea level changes;previous model assumes that no deformational episode occurred in RGSCP. The geophysical and geological surveys carried out in this area showed the existence of listric fault controlling the beach ridges in the escarpments and hanging-wall blocks. The radargrams could distinguish Pleistocene basement unit anticlockwise rotation, thickening of beach ridges radarfacies close to listric normal faults, and horst structures. These deformational features indicate that the extensional zone of a large-scale gravity-driven structure controlled the mechanical subsidence, the Holocene sedimentation and its stratigraphic and geomorphic features in the Quinta-Cassino area to build up an asymmetric delta. The results point to a new approach in dealing with RGSCP Holocene evolution.

TEM investigations of South Atlantic Ridge 13.2°S hydrothermal area

According to the exploration contract about polymetallic sulfides in the SWIR （Southwest Indian Ridge） signed by China with the International Seabed Authority, to delineate sulfide minerals and estimate resource quantity are urgent tasks. We independently developed our first coincident loop Transient Electromagnetic Method （TEM） device in 2010, and gained the TEM data for seafloor sulfide at South Atlantic Ridge 13.2°S in June 2011. In contrast with the widely applied CSEM （Marine controlled-source electromagnetic） method, whose goal is to explore hydrocarbons （oil/gas） of higher resistivity than seawater from 102 to 103 m below the sea floor, the TEM is for low resistivity minerals, and the target depth is from 0 to 100 m below the sea floor. Based on the development of complex sulfide geoelectrial models, this paper analyzed the TEM data obtained, proposing a new method for seafloor sulfide detection. We present the preliminary trial results, in the form of apparent resistivity sections for both half-space and full-space conditions. The results cor- respond well with the observations of the actual hydrothermal vent area, and the detection depth reached 50-100m below the bed, which verified the capability of the equipment.