South Sandwich slices reveal much about arc structure, geodynamics, and composition

Larter, R.D., King, E.C., Leat, P.T., Reading, A.M., Smellie, J.L. and Smythe, D.K. (1998) South Sandwich slices reveal much about arc structure, geodynamics, and composition. Eos, Transactions American Geophysical Union, 79(24), pp. 281-285. (doi: 10.1029/98EO00207)

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Abstract

The simple tectonic history of the South Sandwich island arc, a classic intra‐oceanic arc lying in the South Atlantic Ocean, provided excellent opportunities for the Sandwich Lithospheric and Crustal Experiment (SLICE), conducted early in 1997, to investigate how, and at what rates, the Earth's crust is modified by subduction processes. The SLICE investigations of the South Sandwich island arc and the East Scotia Sea back‐arc basin (Figure 1) included onshore and offshore recording of controlled‐source and earthquake seismic data, establishment of geodetic GPS monuments on two islands, a new geological survey of the islands, and sampling of the islands and sea floor. Knowledge of the structure, geodynamics, and composition of this arc system is important because its simple tectonic history will allow estimation of the rates at which subduction processes modify the crust, and because its intra‐oceanic setting makes it ideal for studying the timing and compositions of fluxes from the subducting slab.

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Smythe, Professor David
Authors: Larter, R.D., King, E.C., Leat, P.T., Reading, A.M., Smellie, J.L., and Smythe, D.K.
College/School:College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences
Journal Name:Eos, Transactions American Geophysical Union
Publisher:Wiley
ISSN:0096-3941
ISSN (Online):2324-9250

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