Structure and evolution of the central Kerguelen Plateau deduced from seismic stratigraphic studies and drilling at Site 747

Abstract

The structure and evolution of the Central Kerguelen Plateau (CKP) is derived from the seismic stratigraphic interpretation of multichannel seismic data and from ODP results at Site 747. The CKP formed 120-110 m.y. ago by excessive volcanic activity at the axis of the spreading ridge that separated India from Antarctica. At 72 Ma, a major pre-rift tectonic episode stretched the basement of the CKP in an east-west direction. At 42 Ma, the breakup between the Kerguelen Plateau and Broken Ridge was accompanied by a period of nonsedimentation of about 15-m.y. duration. After the breakup, the sedimentation was generally continuous but evolved during the Pliocene-Pleistocene in response to climate changes. -from Authors