Detailed geophysical studies on the Hawaiian Arch near 24°25′N, 157°40′W: A closely spaced suite of heat-flow stations

Autor: C. G. A. Harrison, J. D. Mudie, John G. Sclater
Rok vydání: 1970
Předmět:
Zdroj: Journal of Geophysical Research. 75:333-348
ISSN: 0148-0227
DOI: 10.1029/jb075i002p00333
Popis: Twelve successful heat-flow measurements, ranging from 0.33 to 1.43 μcal/cm2 sec, with a mean of 0.98 μcal/cm2 sec were observed during a survey of a 20- by 20-km area centered at 24°25'N, 157°40'W, near the crest of Hawaiian arch. The normal and subnormal values suggest that there is no widespread youthful volcanism and that in general the area is in thermal equilibrium. As this precludes a credible explanation based on the effects of recent volcanism, the scatter in the heat flow casts doubt upon the validity of interpreting the surface field from widely separated observations. A bathymetric, side-looking sonar, magnetic, and airgun survey conducted by the Marine Physical Laboratory deeply towed instrument package provided detailed information of the local environment. It has been suggested that much of the local scatter in heat-flow observations may be caused by previously undetected relief on the ocean floor. A statistical determination along 65.8 km of deep-tow track of the effect of the relief on the surface field demonstrates that irregular topography cannot account for the scatter in the observations. The scatter can be explained, however, by the refraction of the heat flux by irregularities in the sediment cover and the effect of recent slumps from a nearby sediment covered ridge.
Databáze: OpenAIRE
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