CLUSTER ANALYSIS OF GEOLOGICAL AND GEOPHYSICAL PARAMETERS OF THE ARCTIC REGION AS THE BASE FOR GEODYNAMIC INTERPRETATION

• Published in: Geodynamics & Tectonophysics
• Main Authors: S. Yu. Sokolov, A. O. Mazarovich
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English; Russian
• Published: Russian Academy of Sciences, Siberian Branch, Institute of the Earth's crust 2016
• Subjects: geodynamics; cluster analysis; geological and geophysical parameters; sedimentary cover; thermal domes; classification of types of the lithosphere; energy release; Science; Q; Arctic; East Siberian Sea
• Online Access: https://doi.org/10.5800/GT-2016-7-1-0197; https://doaj.org/article/14806ba786ab4d2fb14880e2f461fa05

Cluster analysis is applied for computing stable combinations of geological and geophysical parameters, and areas with such combinations are interpreted as regions that differ in structural and geodynamic features. The shelf areas are distinguished by specific sets and patterns of parameters, including sedimentary cover thickness, tectonic heterogeneity of the basement, heat flow, anomalous magnetic field, and gravity anomalies that reflect the topography of the crust–upper mantle boundary. In the deep oceanic areas, S-wave velocity variations show abnormally ‘cold’ blocks, while the average heat flow values are high. This combination of parameters is typical of transform zones at the junction of the Atlantic and Arctic segments. Superimposed thermal domes are located symmetrically with respect to the axis of the mid-oceanic ridges (MOR). Such domes may occur on the continents located close to MOR. Similar indicators can be revealed along the transition zone to the north of the East Siberian Sea.