Geotectonic evolution of the Bransfield Basin, Antarctic Peninsula: insights from analogue models

Abstract The Bransfield Strait, located between the South Shetland Islands and the north-western end of the Antarctic Peninsula, is a back-arc basin transitional between rifting and spreading. We compiled a geomorphological structural map of the Bransfield Basin combining published data and the inte...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Antarctic Science
Main Authors: Solari, M.A., Hervé, F., Martinod, J., Le Roux, J.P., Ramírez, L.E., Palacios, C.
Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
Language:English
Published: Cambridge University Press (CUP) 2008
Subjects:
Geology
Ecology, Evolution, Behavior and Systematics
Oceanography
Antarctic
The Antarctic
Antarctic Peninsula
South Shetland Islands
Shackleton
Bransfield Strait
South Scotia Ridge
Shackleton Fracture Zone
South Shetland Trench
West Scotia Ridge
Antarc*
Antarctic Science
Online Access:http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/s095410200800093x
https://www.cambridge.org/core/services/aop-cambridge-core/content/view/S095410200800093X
Description
Summary:Abstract The Bransfield Strait, located between the South Shetland Islands and the north-western end of the Antarctic Peninsula, is a back-arc basin transitional between rifting and spreading. We compiled a geomorphological structural map of the Bransfield Basin combining published data and the interpretation of bathymetric images. Several analogue experiments reproducing the interaction between the Scotia, Antarctic, and Phoenix plates were carried out. The fault configuration observed in the geomorphological structural map was well reproduced by one of these analogue models. The results suggest the establishment of a transpressional regime to the west of the southern segment of the Shackleton Fracture Zone and a transtensional regime to the south-west of the South Scotia Ridge by at least c. 7 Ma. A probable mechanism for the opening of the Bransfield Basin requires two processes: 1) Significant transtensional effects in the Bransfield Basin caused by the configuration and drift vector of the Scotia Plate after the activity of the West Scotia Ridge ceased at c. 7 Ma. 2) Roll-back of the Phoenix Plate under the South Shetland Islands after cessation of spreading activity of the Phoenix Ridge at 3.3 ± 0.2 Ma, causing the north-westward migration of the South Shetland Trench.

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