Defining the characteristics of active spreading centers

Abstract

[Author's Abstract] Spreading centers occur where tectonic plates are moving apart from each other creating new seafloor and mid-oceanic ridges. The rate at which the centers spread causes changes in the geological features of the seafloor. In this paper quantitative measurements of surficial geological features are calculated from a high resolution multibeam bathymetric survey of the Pacific-Rivera active spreading center and then compared to bathymetric data from the Endeavour Segment of the Juan de Fuca ridge to determine if the structural characteristics reflect their similarity in spreading rate. Common features such as progressive ridges were found at both locations, showing decreasing elevation with distance from the axial valley.