Linking active margin dynamics to overriding plate deformation: Synthesizing geophysical images with geological data from the Norfolk Basin
Abstract
The Tonga-Kermadec subduction system in the southwest Pacific preserves a series of crustal elements and sediments which have recorded subduction initiation, rift, and back-arc basin formation. The Norfolk Basin is the farthest landward of all back-arc basins formed in the Tonga-Kermadec region and may preserve the earliest record of subduction initiation regionally. For the Norfolk Basin, we use a set of multibeam bathymetry, magnetic, and seismic reflection and refraction data to constrain basin structure and the mode and timing of formation. A structural interpretation reveals a two-stage tectonic evolution: (1) a convergent tectonic regime until 38–34 Ma, alternatively related to island arc collision or subduction initiation, and (2) lithospheric extension after 34 Ma. These observations may help to constrain mechanical models that predict rapid extension following convergence of the overriding plate during subduction initiation or arc reversals.
Additional Information
© American Geophysical Union. Received 27 August 2008; Revised 17 October 2008; Accepted 29 October 2008; Published 14 January 2009. We would like to acknowledge the help of Maria Sdrolias from Sydney University, Geoscience Australia, for providing access to the mulitbeam, magnetic, and reflection seismic data from the Norfolk Basin and S. Meffre for his helpful correspondence. We would like to thank W. Schellart and S. Meffre whose detailed and helpful reviews significantly improved this manuscript. LD and RDM were financially supported by the Australian Research Council. This work represents contribution 10,006 of the Division of Geological and Planetary Sciences, California Institute of Technology.Attached Files
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Additional details
- Eprint ID
- 13388
- Resolver ID
- CaltechAUTHORS:CAPggg09
- Australian Research Council
- Created
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2009-04-16Created from EPrint's datestamp field
- Updated
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2021-11-08Created from EPrint's last_modified field
- Caltech groups
- Seismological Laboratory