Mechanism of progressive broad deformation from oceanic transform valley to off-transform faulting and rifting

Graphical abstract

Oceanic transform faults (TFs) are commonly viewed as single, narrow strike-slip seismic faults that offset two mid-ocean ridge segments. However, broad zones of complex deformation are ubiquitous at TFs. Here, we propose a new conceptual model for the progressive deformation within broad zones at oceanic TFs through detailed morphological, seismic, and stress analyses. We argue that, under across-transform extension due to a change in plate motion, plate deformation occurs first along high-angle transtensional faults (TTFs) within the transform valleys.

DOI:
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.xinn.2021.100193

Citation:
Zhang F., Lin J., Zhou Z., et al. (2021). Mechanism of progressive broad deformation from oceanic transform valley to off-transform faulting and rifting. The Innovation. 3(1),100193.