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The AAPG/Datapages Combined Publications Database

AAPG Special Volumes

Abstract

Pub. Id: A156 (1989)

First Page: 149

Last Page: 154

Book Title: M 46: Extensional Tectonics and Stratigraphy of the North Atlantic Margins

Article/Chapter: Initiation of the Iceland Plume and Opening of the North Atlantic: Chapter 10: North Atlantic Perspectives

Subject Group: Structure, Tectonics, Paleostructure

Spec. Pub. Type: Memoir

Pub. Year: 1989

Author(s): R. S. White

Abstract:

Massive igneous activity across a 2000-km-diameter region accompanied the continental breakup that generated the North Atlantic Ocean. I outline the evidence which suggests that the magmatism was caused by passive upwelling and decompression melting of asthenospheric mantle which was 150-200°C hotter than normal. The anomalously hot mantle was introduced by the initiation of the Iceland plume shortly before continental breakup. Although the melt was caused by passive upwelling beneath the rifts, initiation of the mantle plume probably triggered the breakup by introducing regional uplift.

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