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The AAPG/Datapages Combined Publications Database

AAPG Bulletin

Abstract


Volume: 64 (1980)

Issue: 5. (May)

First Page: 742

Last Page: 742

Title: Seismic Stratigraphy and Structure of Falkland Plateau: ABSTRACT

Author(s): William J. Ludwig, Phillip D. Rabinowitz

Article Type: Meeting abstract

Abstract:

Multichannel and single-channel seismic reflection profiles and Previous HitsonobuoyNext Hit reflection and refraction measurements indicate that the Falkland Plateau is not a simple extension of South America, but largely owes its morphology to sediments deposited in a continental slope-ocean basin floor environment.

The western part of the plateau is a segment of oceanic crust over which has been deposited 4 to 6 km of sediment in a basin bounded by the Falkland Islands platform on the west, a narrow ridge associated with the Falkland Escarpment on the north, M. Ewing Bank on the east, and the North Scotia Ridge on the south. M. Ewing Bank, a subsided continental block sampled by D/V Glomar Challenger Leg 36, forms the eastern part of the plateau.

The sediments in the basin have been deposited in an oblique progradational-type of configuration. Widespread sheets of sediment dip southward from the Falkland ridge and are terminated updip by erosional truncation. They lap out against the Falkland Islands platform and M. Ewing Bank. The lower boundary of the depositional sequence has been disrupted through movement of the North Scotia Ridge toward the plateau, resulting in subduction of the lower sequence of sediment beneath the ridge and deformation and uplift of the upper sequence to outbuild the northern flank of the ridge.

Overall reflection geometry of sediments filling the basin suggests that they were transported from the north. This implies that they are largely continental slope deposits of pre-drift (> 130 m.y. ago) age. Strong bottom currents evidently have caused erosion of significant amounts of the post-drift sediments. The drilling results of D/V Glomar Challenger Leg 71 will be discussed in Previous HitinterpretationTop of the depositional environment of the Falkland Plateau.

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