Geology & Geophysics Group
Mid-ocean ridge studies
Contact: Prof. Martin Sinha
The 58,000 kilometres of mid-ocean ridge that encircle the Earth represent one of the most complex and dynamic natural environments on our planet. The study of ridge processes calls for highly inter-disciplinary research, underpinned by advanced survey and analytical facilities. The NOC is well equipped both intellectually and in terms of research infrastructure to contribute to this, and we have a long history of research in this area.
Above left: Superimposed crustal scale cross-sections of electrical resistivity anomaly (colours, based on CSEM sounding) and p-wave seismic velocity anomaly (grey contours, based on wide-angle seismic profiling), across the Valu Fa Ridge spreading centre in the Lau basin, SW Pacific. Above right: Launching the NOCS deep-towed electromagnetic transmitter system DASI over the Lucky Strike segment of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, during RRS Charles Darwin cruise CD120.
Staff and graduate students in the G&G Group work very closely with colleagues in the Geochemistry and Ocean Biogeochemistry & Ecosystems research groups at NOC, as well as with numerous collaborators world-wide. Ongoing research currently includes:
- theoretical geodynamic modelling of mantle upwelling, melt generation and lithospheric growth
- crustal scale geophysical studies (seismic, electromagnetic, gravimetric) of sub-seafloor structure and physical properties
- seafloor mapping, sampling, and isotopic analysis
- deep drilling based around IODP
- the physics and chemistry of hydrothermal venting
- studies of the biology of hydrothermal vent communities at molecular, organism and ecosystem scales.
To find out more about our research on mid-ocean ridges, please use the following links:
- CD167
- Mid Atlantic Ridge studies in the South Atlantic: north and south of Ascension Island
- Evolution of explosive seamount volcanism: evidence from 37ºN on the Mid Atlantic Ridge
- Plume-ridge interaction: a geochemical perspective from the Reykjanes Ridge
- Under the hot-spot influence: TOBI imagery from the Central Indian Ridge
- Northern Indian Ocean: The Carlsberg Ridge
- The Axial Volcanic Ridges Study Programme
