The Crustal Structure of Rockall Plateau Microcontinent

• Published in: Geophysical Journal International
• Main Author: Scrutton, R. A.
• Format: Text
• Language: English
• Published: Oxford University Press 1972
• Subjects: Articles; Rockall Plateau; Rockall Trough; North East Atlantic
• Online Access: http://gji.oxfordjournals.org/cgi/content/short/27/3/259; https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-246X.1972.tb06092.x

Interpretation of seismic refraction measurements and gravity profiles from the Rockall Plateau area of the North-east Atlantic proves that the Plateau is a microcontinent. The depth to the Moho beneath the Plateau varies between 22 and 31 km. P wave velocities of about 6·4 and 7·1 km s−1 were obtained for the main crustal layers; these velocities may be typical of microcontinents. The Plateau is approximately in isostatic equilibrium, as too is Rockall Trough. The Trough is underlain by a thin crust, possibly of oceanic origin.