Tectonics of the Mendocino triple junction

Bulletin of the Geological Society of America
By:

Metrics

76
Crossref references
Web analytics dashboard Metrics definitions

Links

Abstract

Interpretation of reflection profiles and of the magnetic anomaly pattern over the Gorda Basin and Escarpment gives broad agreement with the triple junction model of McKenzie and Morgan (1969). However, the basin has undergone internal deformation, a local departure from rigid plate tectonics, and the escarpment has had a component of underthrusting by the Gorda block. Faults in the Gorda Basin which disturb young turbidites parallel the trends of magnetic anomalies, suggesting deformation of the oceanic crust along lines of primary weakness. The northeast trends of the faults give a constraint on first-motion solutions for earthquakes within the basin and suggest left-lateral slip on the faults. Analysis of the geometry and timing of the Gorda Basin deformation based on the magnetic pattern gives an average gross tectonic strain rate of 10−14/sec. These observations give a measure of the mechanics of deformation of oceanic lithosphere very close to a spreading rise crest.

Study Area

Publication type Article
Publication Subtype Journal Article
Title Tectonics of the Mendocino triple junction
Series title Bulletin of the Geological Society of America
DOI 10.1130/0016-7606(1971)82[2965:TOTMTJ]2.0.CO;2
Volume 82
Issue 11
Year Published 1971
Language English
Publisher Geological Society of America
Description 13 p.
First page 2965
Last page 2977
Country United States
State California, Oregon
Other Geospatial Mendocino fault, Mendocino junction, San Andreas fault
Additional publication details