Geology, geophysics, geochemistry, and deep-sea mineral deposits, Federated States of Micronesia: KORDI-USGS R.V. Farnella Cruise F11-90-CP

Abstract

Ifalik Atoll-Tarang Bank and trends east-west. This segment consists of large carbonate(?) banks and atolls and is generally of less than 2500 m water depth. The western third of Caroline Ridge extends from Ifalik Atoll-Tarang Bank to the Yap trench and trends northwestward. This segment consists of a large shallow-water (<2500 m) ridge bounded by, and cut by, narrow troughs that represent strike-slip faults (southern margin; Hamiltonj 1985), normal faults (northern margin; Seismic profiles presented here show that both the north and south flanks of Caroline Ridge are block faulted. The origin of the western two-thirds of Caroline Ridge is unknown. West Caroline Ridge was proposed to be a relict island arc by However, Hamilton (1985) disagreed with their interpretation and speculated that the ridge represents a leaky transform fault that connects the Mussau and Mariana trenches. Our work indicates that west Caroline Ridge, Sorol Trough, and associated topographic features may represent an extinct(?) spreading centertransform fault system. Vogt et al. (1976) suggested this possibility in passing, but provided no corroborative evidence. Eauripik Rise may also be an extinct spreading center, one of three in the Caroline Basin, which is located south of Caroline Ridge (Winterer et al., 1971;