CRUSTAL STRUCTURE OF THE MENDELEEV RISE IN THE ARCTIC OCEAN: A SYNTHESIS OF SEISMIC PROFILES AND ROCK SAMPLING DATA

Abstract

The Mendeleev Rise is located in the Amerasia Basin of the Arctic Ocean. The work is based on a synthesis of interpretation of regional seismic profiles of the OGT 2D DOM and data from rock sampling using special underwater vehicles on the slopes of seamounts and scarps. The uplift is represented by alternation of highs (horsts) and half-grabens. At the base of the horst sections, bright reflectors are distinguished, which are interpreted as volcanics. Half-graben sections are wedge-shaped in section and are similar in geometry to seaward-dipping reflectors (SDRs) of continental passive volcanic margins. Rock sampling has shown that the horsts are composed of sedimentary rocks of Palaeozoic age, penetrated by intrusions. Aptian-Albian sections with volcanics (basalts, trachybasalts, trachyandesites) were identified on the horsts. U/Pb dating of igneous rocks showed that typical age of rocks is 110-114 Ma. Magmatic Cretaceous rocks contain zircons with ages ranging from pre-Barremian Mesozoic to Palaeozoic and Precambrian. These zircons were captured by basaltic magma during its upward movement. The presence of these ancient zircons indicates that the Mendeleev Rise is composed of continental crust. A model of the crustal structure of the Mendeleev Rise is proposed. The base of the section visible on seismic profiles is dominated by volcanics (on horsts from basalts to trachyandesites, in half-grabens mainly basalts). The upper and lower crust is approximately 20-30% saturated with intrusions of basic composition. At the base of the crust, a high-velocity layer up to 5 km thick is distinguished. It is assumed that its lower part is entirely represented by gabbro-type intrusions, and the upper part is the lowest part of the lower crust, maximally saturated with intrusions.