Testing Plume and Plate Models of Ocean Plateau Formation at Shatsky Rise, Northwest Pacific Ocean (IODP Leg 324 - Shatsky Rise)
Lead Research Organisation:
The Open University
Department Name: Environment, Earth & Ecosystems
Abstract
The Scientific Summary for IODP Leg 324 is provided in the approved IODP Scientific Prospectus (http://publications.iodp.org/scientific_prospectus/324/324sp_7.htm). It is as follows: One of the most fundamental questions of modern geodynamics is the process of mantle convection and its impact on Earth's surface through volcanism. The greatest source of nonocean-ridge volcanism appears to be massive eruptive episodes that formed oceanic plateaus, volcanic passive margins, and continental flood basalts. A widely accepted hypothesis for such volcanism is that it results from the head of a starting plume, which rises from the deep mantle, spreads out beneath the lithosphere, and melts cataclysmically in a massive outpouring of volcanic activity. Despite the wide acceptance of this hypothesis, a convincing case for a plume head origin has not been made for any oceanic plateau; rather, significant complexities have been revealed by recent drilling of the Kerguelen and Ontong Java plateaus. One great difficulty with research of oceanic plateaus is that the original setting, relative to mid-ocean ridges and plate tectonics, is poorly known for most plateaus because they were formed during the mid-Cretaceous when no magnetic reversals formed ridge-parallel anomalies to record spreading ridge locations. Shatsky Rise, located ~1500 km east of Japan, is unique in being the only large oceanic plateau formed during a time of magnetic reversals, permitting its tectonic setting to be resolved. Magnetic lineations show that the plateau formed along the trace of a triple junction, intimately related to ridge tectonics. Existing data demonstrate that several aspects of Shatsky Rise's history (e.g., massive, rapid initial growth; transition from large to small magma flux; capture of ridges) fit the plume head model. On the other hand, the coincidence of volcanism with the triple junction, ridge jumps, and the lack of isotopic evidence for a hotspot-type mantle source can all be taken as favoring a plate-controlled origin. Its unique combination of features makes Shatsky Rise the best location on Earth to test plume versus plate-tectonic hypotheses of ocean plateau formation. During Integrated Ocean Drilling Program Expedition 324 we propose to core ~800 m of igneous basement at five sites on Shatsky Rise to examine the history, source(s), and evolution of this plateau. From the results of this expedition, we hope to be able to put to rest the question of whether oceanic plateaus like Shatsky Rise were formed from deep-sourced mantle plumes or interaction of plate boundaries and the lithosphere with the shallow mantle.
People |
ORCID iD |
Mike Widdowson (Principal Investigator) |
Publications
Koppers A
(2010)
Proceedings of the IODP, 324
Sager W
(2013)
An immense shield volcano within the Shatsky Rise oceanic plateau, northwest Pacific Ocean
in Nature Geoscience
Sano T
(2012)
Variety and origin of magmas on Shatsky Rise, northwest Pacific Ocean
in Geochemistry, Geophysics, Geosystems
Description | We discovered and reported in Nature Geosdcience the largest single volcano on the Earth. This publication was reported as being among the 100 most influential scientific papers of 2013. |
Exploitation Route | Research papers and IODP report provide the primary information for all other work on Shatsky Rise. I expect all our papers to achieve high citation ijn the years to come. |
Sectors | Aerospace, Defence and Marine,Education,Environment,Other |
URL | http://publications.iodp.org/proceedings/324/324title.htm |
Description | Advance scientific knowledge of the ocean floor. Documentation of the largest volcano on Earth. |
First Year Of Impact | 2013 |
Sector | Education,Environment,Other |
Impact Types | Societal |
Title | Proceedings of the Ocean Drilling Program Volume 324: Shatsky Rise Formation |
Description | Large report of the Expedition findinds and associated extensive databases. |
Type Of Material | Database/Collection of data |
Year Produced | 2011 |
Provided To Others? | Yes |
Impact | Available for the worldwide Geocience community. |
URL | http://publications.iodp.org/proceedings/324/324title.htm |
Description | Volcanic Architecture, Geochemistry and Geochronology of the Kalkarindji Continental Flood Basalt Province, Australia |
Organisation | Queensland University of Technology (QUT) |
Country | Australia |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | Joint PhD project in collaboration with a colleague from QUT (Australia) whom I met during the IODP Leg 324. Monies indicated are those we secured from a commercial sponsor to support stipend and research during a 3 year PhD project. My contribution: Lead PhD Supervisor |
Collaborator Contribution | Associate PhD supervisor |
Impact | No published output yet. |
Start Year | 2010 |
Description | Media interest (Discovering the World's largest volcano) |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | Numerous international interviews - radio and TV by myself and varius members of the IODP team. Considerable media interest. Research considered as one of the top 100 most influential scientific papers of 2013. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2013 |
URL | http://www.open.ac.uk/research/main/news/ou-volcano-research-ranked-among-top-100-for-2013 |
Description | Visit to several University Geological Societies (2011 - 2014) to deliver a talk on 'Shatsky Rise - The World's largest volcano' |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Regional |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | Very interested and lively discussions; several follow-up emails. Offers of colaboration from other University Departments. Students wishing to use findings/samples for MSc projects. See above. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2011,2012,2013,2014 |