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Recognizing detachment-mode seafloor spreading in the deep geological past
Marco Maffione1, Antony Morris, Mark W Anderson
1School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences, Plymouth University, Drake Circus, Plymouth PL4 8AA, UK. m.maffione@uu.nl
Scientific Reports
|August 2, 2013
Summary
Paleomagnetic methods reveal a distinct "detachment-mode" of seafloor spreading in ancient ophiolites. This study confirms Jurassic detachment faulting, evidenced by unique magnetic signatures in the Mirdita ophiolite.
Area of Science:
- Geology
- Geophysics
- Paleomagnetism
Background:
- Slow- and ultraslow-spreading ridges form oceanic core complexes (OCCs) via large-offset detachment faults.
- Detachment-mode seafloor spreading is a distinct mechanism from classical magmatic accretion.
- OCCs expose upper mantle and lower crustal rocks.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a paleomagnetic methodology for recognizing detachment-mode seafloor spreading in ancient ophiolites.
- To apply this methodology to the Mirdita ophiolite in Albania.
- To investigate the Jurassic tectonic history and spreading mechanisms.
Main Methods:
- Paleomagnetic analysis of rock samples from the Mirdita ophiolite.
- Comparison of magnetic signatures between footwall and hanging wall blocks.
- Correlation of observed rotation styles with modern OCCs.
Main Results:
- Unequivocal recognition of detachment-mode seafloor spreading in the Mirdita ophiolite.
- Significant differences in magnetization between footwall and hanging wall blocks.
- Identical rotation style to modern rolling hinge footwall rotation in OCCs.
Conclusions:
- Detachment-mode seafloor spreading occurred in the Jurassic.
- The Mirdita ophiolite preserves evidence of this spreading mode.
- Paleomagnetism is a powerful tool for reconstructing ancient seafloor spreading processes.
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