Active deformation of the Gorda plate: Constraining deformation models with new geophysical data

Research Article| April 01, 2004 Active deformation of the Gorda plate: Constraining deformation models with new geophysical data Jason D. Chaytor; Jason D. Chaytor 1College of Oceanic and Atmospheric Sciences, Oregon State University, 104 Ocean Administration Building, Corvallis, Oregon 97331, USA Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar Chris Goldfinger; Chris Goldfinger 1College of Oceanic and Atmospheric Sciences, Oregon State University, 104 Ocean Administration Building, Corvallis, Oregon 97331, USA Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar Robert P. Dziak; Robert P. Dziak 2Cooperative Institute for Marine Resources Studies, Oregon State University/National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Hatfield Marine Science Center, Newport, Oregon 97365, USA Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar Christopher G. Fox Christopher G. Fox 3National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Pacific Marine Environmental Laboratory, Hatfield Marine Science Center, Newport, Oregon 97365, USA Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar Author and Article Information Jason D. Chaytor 1College of Oceanic and Atmospheric Sciences, Oregon State University, 104 Ocean Administration Building, Corvallis, Oregon 97331, USA Chris Goldfinger 1College of Oceanic and Atmospheric Sciences, Oregon State University, 104 Ocean Administration Building, Corvallis, Oregon 97331, USA Robert P. Dziak 2Cooperative Institute for Marine Resources Studies, Oregon State University/National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Hatfield Marine Science Center, Newport, Oregon 97365, USA Christopher G. Fox 3National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Pacific Marine Environmental Laboratory, Hatfield Marine Science Center, Newport, Oregon 97365, USA Publisher: Geological Society of America Received: 16 Sep 2003 Revision Received: 05 Dec 2003 Accepted: 08 Dec 2003 First Online: 02 Mar 2017 Online ISSN: 1943-2682 Print ISSN: 0091-7613 Geological Society of America Geology (2004) 32 (4): 353–356. https://doi.org/10.1130/G20178.2 Article history Received: 16 Sep 2003 Revision Received: 05 Dec 2003 Accepted: 08 Dec 2003 First Online: 02 Mar 2017 Cite View This Citation Add to Citation Manager Share Icon Share Facebook Twitter LinkedIn MailTo Tools Icon Tools Get Permissions Search Site Citation Jason D. Chaytor, Chris Goldfinger, Robert P. Dziak, Christopher G. Fox; Active deformation of the Gorda plate: Constraining deformation models with new geophysical data. Geology 2004;; 32 (4): 353–356. doi: https://doi.org/10.1130/G20178.2 Download citation file: Ris (Zotero) Refmanager EasyBib Bookends Mendeley Papers EndNote RefWorks BibTex toolbar search Search Dropdown Menu toolbar search search input Search input auto suggest filter your search All ContentBy SocietyGeology Search Advanced Search Abstract The Gorda plate, the southernmost fragment of the larger Juan de Fuca plate system, is an example of a nonrigidly deforming tectonic accommodation zone or buffer plate, absorbing deformation and allowing the surrounding larger plates to act in a more rigid fashion. Here we present a new structural analysis of the plate based on full-plate bathymetric coverage, augmented by seismic reflection data and earthquake moment tensors and locations. We interpret internal deformation of the Gorda plate as an asymmetrical flexural-slip buckle with a vertical axis, utilizing reactivation of spreading-ridge fabric normal faults as strike-slip faults. Newly formed second-generation faults crosscutting the structural grain overprint the reactivated structures. The spreading fabric faults finally begin a second phase of extension as the plate approaches the subduction zone. This model, based on fault constraints, has allowed investigation of ridge-plate–subduction interactions, and suggests that spreading-rate variations along the Gorda Ridge may be controlled by internal deformation of the plate rather than the reverse, as previously hypothesized. You do not have access to this content, please speak to your institutional administrator if you feel you should have access.