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A sea-floor spreading event captured by seismometers.
M Tolstoy1, J P Cowen, E T Baker
1Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory (LDEO) of Columbia University, Palisades, NY 10964, USA. tolstoy@ldeo.columbia.edu
Science (New York, N.Y.)
|November 25, 2006
Summary
Mid-ocean ridge eruptions, responsible for seafloor spreading, were monitored using seismometers. This study suggests eruption forecasting may be possible due to observed precursory seismic activity.
Area of Science:
- Geophysics
- Marine Geology
- Tectonics
Background:
- Mid-ocean ridges create two-thirds of Earth's surface through seafloor spreading.
- Understanding these deep-sea events is challenging due to their location.
- Previous research has limited insight into the precise mechanisms of ridge eruptions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the microearthquake characteristics of a mid-ocean ridge eruption.
- To identify precursory seismic activity preceding an eruption.
- To assess the potential for forecasting eruptions at fast-spreading ridges.
Main Methods:
- Deployment of ocean-bottom seismometers at 9 degrees 50'N on the East Pacific Rise.
- Continuous seismic monitoring from October 2003 to January 2006.
- Analysis of microearthquake patterns and activity rates.
Main Results:
- Recorded microearthquake activity associated with a mid-ocean ridge eruption.
- Observed a gradual increase in seismic activity rates prior to the main event.
- Documented an intense, ~6-hour diking event on January 22, 2006, followed by decreased seismicity.
Conclusions:
- Seismic monitoring can capture the detailed activity of mid-ocean ridge eruptions.
- Precursory seismic ramp-up indicates potential for eruption forecasting in fast-spreading environments.
- The observed pattern provides insights into the dynamics of seafloor spreading events.
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