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The origin of summit basins on the Aleutian Ridge: implications for block rotation of an arc massif ( Pacific).

January 1, 1988

It is proposed that many summit basins along the Aleutian Arc form from the clockwise rotation of blocks of the arc massic. Summit basins are arc-parallel grabens or half-grabens formed within the arc massif and are commonly located near or along the axis of late Cenozoic volcanism. Geomorphically, the Aleutian Arc appears to consist of contiguous rhombic blocks of varying size, 10's to 100's of km in length. Presents a model for block rotation that involves translation of blocks parallel to an arc. It is suggested that block rotation, which appears to have accelerated in late Cenozoic time, is linked to: 1) a shift in the Euler pole for the Pacific plate; 2) the consequential start-up of late Cenozoic volcanism; 3) improved interplate coupling instigated by sediment flooding of the Aleutian Trench; and 4) westward subduction of NE striking segments of the inactive Kula-Pacific Ridge.-from Authors

Publication Year 1988
Title The origin of summit basins on the Aleutian Ridge: implications for block rotation of an arc massif ( Pacific).
Authors E.L. Geist, J.R. Childs, D.W. Scholl
Publication Type Article
Publication Subtype Journal Article
Series Title Tectonics
Index ID 70014102
Record Source USGS Publications Warehouse