Geology,sediment patterns,and widespread deformation on the sea floor off Western Samoa revealed by wide-swath imagery |
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| Authors: | P J Hill D L Tiffin |
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| Institution: | (1) Australian Geological Survey Organisation, GPO Box 378, Canberra, Australia;(2) South Pacific Applied Geoscience Commission, Private Mail Bag, GPO Suva, Fiji |
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| Abstract: | GLORIA and SeaMARC II sea-floor images of offshore Western Samoa reveal large-scale mass movements, volcanism, and structural modification. These processes are driven by hot-spot mantle diapirism and nearby plate subduction. Debris avalanche deposits extend from the island slope onto the adjacent abyssal plains, covering at least 20,000 km2. Sediment flows occur in sheets up to 30 km wide; slump structures are common on steep slopes. Volcanic cones and lava sheets are evident on lower slopes and abyssal plains. Major volcanic rift zones on the island of Savaii continue offshore. Subduction-induced flexure has produced intense tensional fracturing on the outer wall of the Tonga Trench. |
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