EarthRef.org Reference Database (ERR)
Development and Maintenance by the EarthRef.org Database Team

Detailed Reference Information
West et al. 2003
West, M., Menke, W. and Tolstoy, M. (2003). Focused magma supply at the intersection of the Cobb hotspot and the Juan de Fuca ridge. Geophysical Research Letters 30: doi: 10.1029/2003GL017104. issn: 0094-8276.

We examine the interplay between the Cobb hotspot and the Juan de Fuca ridge by mapping the base of the crust at their intersection near Axial Volcano. PmP traveltimes from an extensive active source seismic experiment are used in conjunction with prior crustal tomography to map crustal thickness. A cross-section along the ridge axis consists of two distinct trends. In addition to 1--2 km of excess crust, inferred from gravity along a 100 km section of the central ridge, we find a narrow 20--40 km diameter root extending to 11 km directly beneath the volcano. Focused magma flux from the Cobb hotspot (0.3--0.8 m3/s) is inferred to be the cause of both the narrow root, and the large magma reservoir, at Axial. The rapid return to thinner crust, away from the intersection, marks a transition back to ridge-dominated magmatism.

BACKGROUND DATA FILES

Abstract

Keywords
Marine Geology and Geophysics, Marine seismics, Marine Geology and Geophysics, Midocean ridge processes, Seismology, Lithosphere and upper mantle, Seismology, Oceanic crust, Seismology, Volcano seismology
Journal
Geophysical Research Letters
http://www.agu.org/journals/gl/
Publisher
American Geophysical Union
2000 Florida Avenue N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20009-1277
USA
1-202-462-6900
1-202-328-0566
service@agu.org
Click to clear formClick to return to previous pageClick to submit