Flow line variations in abyssal hill morphology for the Pacific- Antarctic Ridge at 65°S

Abstract

Presents the results of a statistical study on the morphological characteristics of abyssal hills recently mapped along two adjacent segments of the Pacific-Antarctic Ridge at 65°S. Variations in abyssal hill characteristics are compared with spreading rate history and crustal structure in order to indirectly quantify the evolution of this ridge crest system. The magnetic data document an abrupt acceleration in spreading rate from ~36 to ~63mmyr (full rate) at Chron 3a (5.7-6.4 Ma). The results indicate a statistically significant negative correlation between abyssal hill size parameters and full spreading rates. -from Authors