Transverse structures in the central part of the Red Sea and implications on early stages of oceanic accretion

Abstract

Transverse structures in the central part of the Red Sea are mapped according to bathymetric, seismic, gravity and magnetic data. Five classes of structures are detected. Three of these are fractures, intertrough zones and transform faults. The remaining two are classified as transform zones and pseudo‐transform faults. Most structures can be related to ancient lineaments on land. Intertrough and transform zones are manifestations of unorganized seafloor spreading, and their crustal structure is of an oceanic nature that might be similar to quiet magnetic zones. Copyright © 1989, Wiley Blackwell. All rights reserved