Regional seismic stratigraphic correlations of the Ross Sea: Implications for the tectonic history of the West Antarctic Rift System

Authors

R. C. Decesari, ExxonMobilFollow
C. C. Sorlien, University of California - Santa BarbaraFollow
B. P. Luyendyk, University of California - Santa BarbaraFollow
D. S. Wilson, University of California - Santa BarbaraFollow
L. R. Bartek, University of North Carolina at Chapel HillFollow
John Diebold, Columbia University
Sarah E. Hopkins, University of California - Santa Barbara

Date of this Version

2007

Comments

Citation: Decesari, R.C., C.C. Sorlien, B.P. Luyendyk, D.S. Wilson, L. Bartek, J, Diebold and S.E. Hopkins. (2007), Regional seismic stratigraphic correlations of the Ross Sea: Implications for the tectonic history of the West Antarctic Rift System, in Antarctica: A Keystone in a Changing World – Online Proceedings of the 10th ISAES, edited by A.K. Cooper and C.R. Raymond et al., USGS Open File Report 2007-1047, Short Research Paper 052, 4 p.; doi:10.3133/of2007-1047.srp052

Abstract

Using existing and new seismic reflection data, new and updated correlations of late Oligocene-early Miocene RSS-2 strata were made between the southern parts of Ross Sea basins. Previous studies documented Cretaceous extension across much of Ross Sea. We interpret that Cenozoic extension also occurred across Ross Sea. Subsidence during and following this extension deepened existing basins and may have initiated basins in the west, subsiding ridges between basins below sea level during the late Oligocene. Pre-Oligocene strata record cessation of L. Cretaceous extension in easternmost Ross Sea. Successively younger Cenozoic extension occurred from east to west across the rest of Ross Sea.