Structural and Sedimentological Evolution of the Somali Basin: Paleooceanographic Interpretations.
Abstract
The paleooceanographic development of the Somali Basin in the northwestern Indian Ocean is determined through considering: the structural evolution of the area; its influence on Neogene atmospheric and oceanic circulation aas indicated in the sediment record; and variation in these circulation systems as seen in late Quaternary sediments. Chain Ridge forms the main structural element of the Somali Basin. Correlation of geophysical measurements along its topographically elevated portion with geophysical transects in the southern Somali Basin indicates that a buried portion of the Chain Ridge sector of Owen Fracture Zone extends at least to 7.5 deg S. In areas where crustal age may be estimated on both sides of the fracture zone, the sea floor to the west is at least 30 m.y. older than that to the east and may be considerably older. The trend of the fracture zone and the age of its segments control the time and direction of movement for india relative to Africa and Madagascar. In addition they limit the number of proposed reconstructions and indicate that the Western Somali Basin is a small remaining part of the original Tethys. These constraints result in a model for the area which considers Gondwanaland dispersal in the Western Indian Ocean.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 01, 1977
- Accession Number
- ADA043200
Entities
People
- Richard H. Burroughs Iii
Organizations
- Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution