Seismic stratigraphy and vertical tectonics of the Emperor Seamounts, DSDP Leg 55.

Abstract

In terms of its geology and geomorphology, the southern and central Emperor Seamount chain varies from simple sharp-peaked volcanic seamounts to complex flat-topped, carbonate-capped guyots. The seismic stratigraphy used consists of nine distinct acoustic units: 1) acoustic basement-volcanic rocks, 2) a well-layered sedimentary unit restricted to the adjacent sea floors, 3) shallow-water bank interior deposits, 4) reef or carbonate bank deposits, 5) terrace deposits, 6) shallow-water lagnal sediments, 7) well-layered ponded sediments, 8) an acoustically transparent pelagic unit, and 9) slump or slope detritus. These units are defined using combinations of acoustical characteristics consisting of reflectability of the rocks (i.e., hyperbolics or side echoes), and lateral and vertical continuity reflection patterns which consist of contorted, parallel, and prograded reflectors. -Authors