Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London Series A Mathematical and Physical Sciences · 1966 · 140 citations · 0 references
Natural SciencesEarth SciencesGeophysicsMarine GeophysicsSeismologyTectonicsMarine Structural GeologyMarine TectonicsMid-ocean Ridge GeophysicsPlate TectonicsRegional TectonicsSeafloor TopographyGeophysical ExplorationMarine Seismic RefractionMid-ocean Ridge SeismologyMid-ocean Ridge TopographyMid-ocean RidgesOceanic Crust DeformationOceanic Crust FormationTensional Features
Abstract The details of topography outlined in a new contour chart of the sea floor are related to the geophysical studies made in the Gulf of Aden during the last decade. These studies include magnetic and gravity field, seismic refraction, heat flow and earthquake epicentre measurements. The Gulf is interpreted as a tensional feature involving the separation of the continental blocks of Arabia and Africa and the formation of new oceanic crust in between. The central rough zone is compared with mid-ocean ridges. The matching of pre-Miocene continental geology on either side is discussed in the light of this theory.