Multiple, closely spaced transform faults in fast-slipping fracture zones

Research Article| October 01, 1983 Multiple, closely spaced transform faults in fast-slipping fracture zones R. C. Searle R. C. Searle 1Institute of Oceanographic Sciences, Wormley, Godalming, Surrey GU8 5UB, United Kingdom Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar Geology (1983) 11 (10): 607–610. https://doi.org/10.1130/0091-7613(1983)11<607:MCSTFI>2.0.CO;2 Article history first online: 01 Jun 2017 Cite View This Citation Add to Citation Manager Share Icon Share Facebook Twitter LinkedIn MailTo Tools Icon Tools Get Permissions Search Site Citation R. C. Searle; Multiple, closely spaced transform faults in fast-slipping fracture zones. Geology 1983;; 11 (10): 607–610. doi: https://doi.org/10.1130/0091-7613(1983)11<607:MCSTFI>2.0.CO;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 400-km-long offset of the East Pacific Rise spreading axis between the Quebrada Fracture Zone (lat 3.5° S) and the Gofar Fracture Zone (lat 4.6° S) has been surveyed using the long-range sidescan sonar GLORIA. The offset is accomplished in three distinct fracture zones, each of which contains up to four actively slipping transform faults separated by short spreading centers. Transform spacings range from 5 to 16 km. Each transform is associated with its own transverse valley, but at Quebrada Fracture Zone, and to some extent at the other two, these valleys merge into one large, slightly oblique, fracture-zone valley. The morphological trends of fracture-zone valleys are therefore not necessarily reliable for estimating directions of relative plate movement. Multitransform fracture zones appear to be much commoner on the fast-spreading East Pacific Rise than on slower spreading ridges. The "tectonic spreading fabric," which comprises closely spaced normal faults formed near the spreading axes and striking subparallel to them, is modified to a sigmoidal pattern between the closely spaced transforms. Even midway between transforms, these faults remain oblique to the spreading direction. The degree of obliquity increases as the transform separation decreases, showing progressive rotation of the stress ellipse as transforms are approached. First Page Preview Close Modal You do not have access to this content, please speak to your institutional administrator if you feel you should have access.