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Geotectonic evolution of the Bransfield Basin, Antarctic Peninsula: insights from analogue models

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  23 January 2008

M.A. Solari ,
F. Hervé ,
J. Martinod ,
J.P. Le Roux ,
L.E. Ramírez  and
C. Palacios
M.A. Solari*
Affiliation:
Department of Geology, Universidad de Chile, PO Box 13518, Correo 21, Santiago, Chile
F. Hervé
Affiliation:
Department of Geology, Universidad de Chile, PO Box 13518, Correo 21, Santiago, Chile
J. Martinod
Affiliation:
IRD, LMTG, Université Toulouse 3, 14 Avenue Edouard Belin, 31400, Toulouse, France
J.P. Le Roux
Affiliation:
Department of Geology, Universidad de Chile, PO Box 13518, Correo 21, Santiago, Chile
L.E. Ramírez
Affiliation:
Department of Geology, Universidad de Chile, PO Box 13518, Correo 21, Santiago, Chile
C. Palacios
Affiliation:
Department of Geology, Universidad de Chile, PO Box 13518, Correo 21, Santiago, Chile
*
*msolari@cec.uchile.cl
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Abstract

The Bransfield Strait, located between the South Shetland Islands and the north-western end of the Antarctic Peninsula, is a back-arc basin transitional between rifting and spreading. We compiled a geomorphological structural map of the Bransfield Basin combining published data and the interpretation of bathymetric images. Several analogue experiments reproducing the interaction between the Scotia, Antarctic, and Phoenix plates were carried out. The fault configuration observed in the geomorphological structural map was well reproduced by one of these analogue models. The results suggest the establishment of a transpressional regime to the west of the southern segment of the Shackleton Fracture Zone and a transtensional regime to the south-west of the South Scotia Ridge by at least c. 7 Ma. A probable mechanism for the opening of the Bransfield Basin requires two processes: 1) Significant transtensional effects in the Bransfield Basin caused by the configuration and drift vector of the Scotia Plate after the activity of the West Scotia Ridge ceased at c. 7 Ma. 2) Roll-back of the Phoenix Plate under the South Shetland Islands after cessation of spreading activity of the Phoenix Ridge at 3.3 ± 0.2 Ma, causing the north-westward migration of the South Shetland Trench.

Keywords

back-arc basinBransfield StraitScotia PlateSouth Shetland Islands
Type
Earth Sciences
Information
Antarctic Science , Volume 20 , Issue 2 , April 2008 , pp. 185 - 196
Copyright
Copyright © Antarctic Science Ltd 2008

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