AGU section V002. Accretionary processes at slow-spreading ridges

V002. Accretionary processes at slow-spreading ridges

Section/Focus Group:
Volcanology, Geochemistry, and Petrology (V)

Co-Sponsors:
Ocean Sciences (OS)
Tectonophysics (T)

Conveners:

    Lynne Elkins
    Bryn Mawr College
    lelkins@brynmawr.edu
    Colin Devey
    GEOMAR
    cdevey@geomar.de

Description:

Slow-spreading ridges exhibit a wide range of accretionary styles, exemplified by characteristics that include, e.g., along-axis variations in both crustal thickness and volcanic and hydrothermal activity; oceanic core complexes; and the presence of micro-segments along large transform fault complexes. The axial properties of some slow-spreading ridges suggest periodic changes between tectonically- and volcanically-dominated accretion, implying cyclic magma supply. This session aims to bring together the results of recent work on the active processes at slow-spreading ridges, looking for common mechanisms and a unifying model for the construction of oceanic crust at slow-spreading rates.