Ukrainian Antarctic Journal

No 8 (2009): Ukrainian Antarctic Journal
Articles

The Central Scotia sea floor – is it an paleo-oceanic plate, an young rifted plate or an paleo-land Scotia?

PDF
  • H. V. Schenke,
  • G. B. Udintsev
H. V. Schenke
Alfred Wegener Institute for Polar and Marine Research, Bremerhaven
G. B. Udintsev
Vernadsky Institute of Geochemistry and Analytical Chemistry of Russian Academу of Sciences, Moskow
DOI: https://doi.org/10.33275/1727-7485.8.2009.433
Published December 16, 2009
Keywords
  • the Scotia Sea,
  • rift,
  • geophysical surveys,
  • West Antarctica
How to Cite
Schenke, H. V., & Udintsev, G. B. (2009). The Central Scotia sea floor – is it an paleo-oceanic plate, an young rifted plate or an paleo-land Scotia?. Ukrainian Antarctic Journal, (8), 57-66. https://doi.org/10.33275/1727-7485.8.2009.433

Abstract

Although the bathymetry and geophysics of the Scotia Sea basin is rather well studied in general and is discussed in many publications there are still remaining questions about tectonics of its Central Part. In the western part of the Sea tectonic nature is well demonstrated by West rifted ridge and in the eastern part by East back-arc rift. The floor of the central part does not show such well expressed tectonic features. The usual interpretation of that part of basin floor is described as introduced fragment of the Pacific paleo-Plate or as newly created oceanic plate resulted by supposed rifting. Recent bathymetry and other geophysics survey is complemented with geological sampling lead to hypothesis on the existence there of a large relict of continental bridge between South America and West Antarctica.

PDF

References

  1. Barker, P.F. (1990). International Geological-Geophysical Atlas of the Atlantic Ocean. Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission, Ministry of Geology of the USSR, Moscow, 58–61.
  2. Barker, P.F., Dalziel, I.W.D., & Storey, B.C. (1991). The Geology of Antarctica. Oxford, Clarendon Press (pp. 215–248).
  3. Barker, P.F., Thomas, E. (2004). Origin, signature and palaeoclimatic influence of the Antarctic Circumpolar Current. Earth-Science Reviews, 66, 143–162.
  4. Barker P., & Thomas, E. (2006). Potential of the Scotia Sea Region for Determining the Onset and Development of the Antarctic Circumpolar Current. In: D. K. Futterer et al. (Eds.), Antarctica. Springer-Verlag. pp. 433–440.
  5. Bohoyo, F., Galindo-Zaldivar, J., Hernandez-Molina, F.J., Jabaloy, A., Lobo, F.J., Maldonado, A., Rodriguez-Fernandez, J., Somoza, L., Surinach, E., Vazquez, J.T. (2006). Oceanic gateways in between Weddell and Scotia seas: tectonic development and global influence. Geophysical Research Abstracts, 8, 09372.
  6. Bohoyo, F., Galindo-Zaldívar, J., Jabaloy, A., Maldonado, A., Rodríguez-Fernández, J., Schreider, A., & Suriñach, E. (2007). Development of deep extensional basins associated with the sinistral transcurrent fault zone of the Scotia-Antarctic plate boundary. The 10th International Symposium on Antarctic Earth Sciences, Ext. Abstract 042, p.1–4.
  7. Cieselski, P.F. et al. (1988). Proceedings of the Ocean Drilling Program, Initial Reports, 144.
  8. Ciesielski, P.F., Kristoffersen, Y. et al. (1988). Proceedings of Ocean Drilling Program, Scientific Results, 114.
  9. Ciesielski, P.F., Kristoffersen, Y. et al. (1991). Preliminary results of subantarctic South Atlantic Leg 114 of the Ocean Drilling Program (ODP). Geological Evolution of Antarctica, 645–650.
  10. Dalziel, I.W.D., & Elliot, D.H. (1973). The Scotia Arc and Antarctic margin. In A.E.M. Nairn, D.H. Stehl (Eds.), The Ocean Basins and Margins, 1, the South Atlantic, pp.171–245, Plenum Press, N.Y.
  11. De Wit, M.J. (1997). The evolution of the Scotia Arc as a key to the reconstruction of southwestern Gondwanaland. Tectonophysics, 37, 53–81.
  12. Dietrich, R., Dach, R., Engelhardt, G. et al. (2000). Deutsche Geodatische Kommission bei der Bayerischen Akademie der Wissenschaften, Munshen, 2000, Angewandte Geodasie, Rehhe B, 310, 11–20.
  13. Eagles, G., Livermore, R., & Morris, P. (2005). Small basins in the Scotia Sea: The Eocene Drake Passage gateway. Journal of Geophysical Research, 110, BO2401.
  14. Eagles, G., Livermore, R., Fairhead, J.D., & Morris, P. (2005). Tectonic evolution of the west Scotia Sea. Journal of Geophysical Research: Solid Earth, 110, BO2401.
  15. Eagles, G., Livermore, R., & Morris, P. (2006). Small basins in the Scotia Sea: The Eocen Drake Passage gateway. Earth and Planetary Science Letters, 242, 343–353.
  16. Ewing, J.I., Ludwig, W.J., Ewing, M., & Eittreim, S.L. (1971). Structure of the Scotia Sea and Falkland Plateau. Journal of Geophysical Research, 76(29), 7118–7137.
  17. Galimov, E.Ì., Udintsev, G.B., Schenke, H.-W., & Schene, Ò. (1999). Bulletin of WOUNDS, 69(2), 111–119 (in Russian).
  18. Galindo-Zaldivar, J., Jabaloy, A., Maldonado, A., & Sanz de Galdeano, C.S. (1996). Continental fragmentation along the South Scotia Ridge transcurrent plate boundary. Tectonophysics, 258, 275–301.
  19. Galindo-Zaldivar, J., Balanja, J.C., Bohoyo, F., Jabaloy, A., Maldonado, A., Martinez-Martinez, J.M., Rodriguez-Fernandez, J., & Surinach, E. (2006). Crustal Thinning and the Development of Deep Depressions at the Scotia-Antarctic Plate Boundary (Southern Margin of Discovery Bank, Antarctica) In: D.K. Futterer, D. Damaske, G. Kleinschmidt, H. Miller, F. Tessensohn. Antarctica, Contribution to Global Earth Sciences. Springer, 2006.
  20. Galindo-Zaldivar, J., Bohoyo, F., Maldonado, A., Schreider, A., & Vazquez, J.T. (2006). Propagaiting rift during the opening of a small oceanic basin: The Protector Basin (Scotia Arc, Antarctica). Earth and Planetary Scientific Letters, 241, 398–412.
  21. Gracia, E., Canals, M., Farran M.L., Prieto, M.J., Sorribas, J., & Team, G. (1996). Morphostructure and Evolution of the Central and Eastern Bransfield Basins (NW Antarctic Peninsula) Marine Geophysical Researches, 18, 429–448.
  22. GEBCO // IHO/IOC/CHS, 1984, 2003.
  23. Hernandez-Molina, F.J., Bohoyo, F., Naveira Garabato, A., Galindo-Zaldivar, J., Lobo, F.J., Maldonado, A., Rodriguez-Fernandez, J., Somoza, L., Stow, D.A.V., & Vazquez, J.T. (2007). The Scan basin evolution: Oceanographic consequences of the deep connection between the Weddell and Scotia Seas (Antarctica) // U.S. Geological Survey and National Academies, USGS OF-2007 – 1047, extended abstract 086.
  24. Herve, F., Miller, H., & Pimpirev, C. Patagonia – Antarctica Connections before Gondwana Break-Up. (2006). In: D.K. Futterer, D. Damaske, G. Kleinschmidt, F. Tessensohn (Eds.), Antarctica, pp. 217–238.
  25. Kavun, M.M., Vinnikovskaya, O.S. (1993). Bulletin MOIP, geological department, 6(6), 83–96 (in Russian).
  26. King, E.C., & Barker, R.F. (1988). The tectonic history of the South Orkney microcontinental block. Journal of the Geological Society of London, 145, 317–331.
  27. King, E.C., Leitchenkov, G., Galindo-Zaldivar, J., Maldonado, A., Lodolo, E. (1997). Geology and Seismic stratigraphy of the Antarctic Margin, p. 2. Antarctic Research Series, 71, 75–93.
  28. Kristoffersen, Y., & LaBrecque, J. (1991). On the tectonic history and origin of the Northeast Georgia Rise (Synthesis). In P. F. Ciesielski, Y. Kristoffersen et al. (Eds.), Proceedings of the Ocean Drilling Program, Scientific Results, 114, pp. 23–38.
  29. Kurentsova N.A., & Udintsev G.B. (2004). Osnovny`e cherty` stroeniya i e`volyucii yuzhnoj chasti morya Skosha, Zapadnaya Antarktika [Main features of the structure and evolution of the southern part of Scotia Sea, Western Antarctica]. Tixookeanskaya geologiya, 23(5), 25–39. (in Russian).
  30. Lawver, L.A., Sloan, B.J., Barker, D.H., Ghidella, M., Herzen, R.V., Keller, R., & Chin, C. (1996). Distributed, Active Extension in Bransfield Basin, Antarctic Peninsula: Evidence from Multibeam Bathymetry. Bulletin of Geological Society of America, 6(11), 1–6.
  31. Livermore, R.A., McAdoo, D., & Marks, K. (1994). Scotia Sea tectonics from high-resolution satellite gravity. Earth and Planetary Scientific Letters, 123, 255-268.
  32. Livermore, R. A., & Hunter, R. J. (1996). Mesozoic seafloor spreading in the southern Weddell Sea. In: B. C. Storey, E. C. King, & R. A. Livermore (Eds.). Weddell Sea Tectonics and Gondwana Break-up. Geological Society, London, Special Publications, 108, 227 – 241.
  33. Livermore, R. A., Cunningham, A., Vanneste, L., & Larter, R. (1997). Subduction influence on magma supply at the East Scotia Ridge. Earth and Planetary Science Letters, 150, 261-275.
  34. Livermore, R.A., Eagles, G., Morris, P., & Maldonado, A. (2004). Shackleton Fracture Zone: No barrier to early circumpolar ocean circulation. Geology, 32(9), 797–800.
  35. Lorenzo, J.M., & Mutter, J.C. (1988). Seismic stratigraphy and tectonic evolution of the Malvinas / Falkland Plateau. Revista Brasilierade Geociencias, 18, 191-200.
  36. Ludwig, W.J. (1983). Geologic framework of the Falkland Plateau. Initial Report of the DSDP, 71, Washington. US Governmental Printing Office, pp. 281–292.
  37. Ludwig, W.J., Windisch, C.C., Houtz, R.E., & Ewing, J.I. (1978). Structure of Falkland Plateau and offshore Tierra del Fuego, Argentina. In Geological and geophysical investigations of continental margins. American Association of Petroleum Geologists, memoir 29, Tulsa.
  38. Ludwig, W.J., & Rabiniwitz, P.D. (1982). Seismic stratigraphy and structure of Falkland Plateau. American Association of Petroleum Geologists, 1982, 64, 742.
  39. Maldonado, A., Bohoyo, F., Galindo-Zaldivar, J., Javier Hernández-Molina, F., Jabaloy, A., Lobo, F. J., Rodriguez-Fernández, J., Surinach, E., & Vazquez, J.-T. (2006). Ocean basins near the Scotia-Antarctic plate boundary: Influence of tectonics and paleoceanography on the Cenozoic deposits. Marine Geophysical Researches, 27(2), 83–107.
  40. Maldonado, A., Barnolas, A., Bohoyo, F., Escutia, C., Galindo-Zaldivar, J., Hernandez-Molina, J., Jabaloy, A., Lobo, F.J., Nelson, C.H., Rodriguez-Fernandez, J., Somoza, L., Surinach, E., & Vazquez, J.T. (2006). Seismic Stratigraphy of Miocene to Recent Sedimentary Deposits in the Central Scotia Sea and Northern Weddell Sea: Influence of Bottom Flows (Antarctica). in: D.K. Futterer, D. Damaske, G. Kleinschmidt, H. Miller, & F. Tessensohn (Eds.), Antarctica, Springer-Verlag, pp. 441-446.
  41. Maldonado A., Barnolas, A., Bohoyo, F., Galindo-Zaldivar, J., Hernandez-Molina, J., Lobo, F., Rodriguez-Fernandez, J., Somoza, L., & Vazquez, J.T. (2003). Contourite deposits in the central Scotia Sea: the importance of the Antarctic Circumpolar Current and the Weddell Gyre flows. Palaeogeography, Palaeoclimatology, Palaeoecology, 198, 187-221.
  42. Maldonado, A., Balanya, J.C., Barnolas, A., Galindo-Zaldivar, J., Hernandez, J., Jabaloy, A., Livermore, R., Martınez-Martınez, J.M., Rodrıguez-Fernandez, J., Sanz de Galdeano, C., Somoza, L., Suriñach, E., & Viseras, C. (2000). Tectonics of an extinct ridge-transform intersection, Drake Passage (Antarctica). Marine Geophysical Researches, 21, 43–68.
  43. Mao, S., & Mohr, B.A.R. (1994). Middle Eocene dinocysts from Bruce Bank (Scotia Sea, Antarctica) and their paleoenvironmental and paleogeographic implications. Review of Palaeobotany and Palynology, 86(3-4), 235-263.
  44. Olbers, D., Borowski, D., Volker, C., & Wolff, J.-O. (2004). The dynamical balance, transport and circulation of the Antarctic Circumpolar Current. Antarctic Science, 16(4), 439–470.
  45. Pearce, J.A., Leat, P.T., Barker, P.F., & Miller, I.L. (2001). Geochemical tracing of Pacific-to-Atlantic upper-mantle flow through the Drake passage. Nature, 410(22), 457-461.
  46. Smith, W.H.F., & Sandwell, D.T. (1997). Global sea floor topography from satellite altimetry and ship depth soundings. Science, 277(5334), 1956–1962.
  47. Schenke, H.W., & Zenk, W. (Eds.). (2006). The Expeditions ANTATKTIS-XXII/4 and 5 of the Research Vessel «Polarstern» in 2005. Reports on Polar and Marine Research, 2006, Heft-Nr.537.
  48. Suess E. Das Anblitz der Erde. Bd.1-111, Leipzig, Wienn, 1883–1909.
  49. Tectonic map of the Scotia Arc // SheetBAS (Misc) 3 Ed.1, 1985. Scale1:3000000, British Antarctic Survey, Cambridge, 1985.
  50. Toker, V., Barker, P. F., Wise, S. W. (1991). Middle Eocene carbonate-bearing marine sediments from the Bruce Bank off northern Antarctic Peninsula. In Thomson, M.R.A., Crame, J.A., & Thomson, J.W. (Eds.). Geological evolution of Antarctica. Proceedings of the Fifth International Symposium on Antarctic Earth Sciences, Cambridge, August 1987. Cambridge University Press, pp. 639-644.
  51. Udintsev, G.B., Arntz, W, Udintsev, V.G. et al. (2003). Dokl. Earth Scences, 388(3), 121.
  52. Udintsev, G.B., & Schenke, H.-W. M. (2004). GEOS, p.132 (in Russian).
  53. Udintsev, G.B., Schenke, H.-W., Beyer, A. et al. (2006). Dokl. Earth Sciences, 408(1), 575.
  54. Vuan, A., Lodolo E., Panza, G.F., & Sault, C. (2005). Crustal structure beneath Discovery Bank in the Scotia Sea from group velocity. Antarctic Science, 17, 97-106, Cambridge Univ. Press.
  55. Vuan, A., Russi, M., & Panza, G.F. (2000). Group Velocity Tomography in the Subantarctic Scotia Sea Region. Pure and Applied Geophysics, 157, 1337–1357.
  56. Vuan, A., Robertson Maurice, S.D., Wiens, D.A., Panza, G.F. (2005). Crustal and upper mantle S-wave velocity structure beneath the Bransfield Strait (West Antarctica) from regional surface wave tomography. Tectonophysics, 397, 241–259.
  57. Wise C.W., Ciesielski P.F., MacKenzie D.T. et al. Antarctic Geoscience, Intern. Union Geol. Sci. Ser. B-N4, 1982, Madison, Wisconsin, 157.