NEW DATA ON THE STRUCTURAL GEOMETRY OF LINEAMENTS IN THE WESTERN PACIFIC OCEAN AND THE SOUTHEASTERN INDIAN OCEAN

Abstract

Structures of the continental lithosphere characterized by vortex geometry were originally revealed in the first third of the 20th century. Vortex motions determine the specific character of the geodynamics and structural geometry of ocean basins during spreading of lithospheric plates. The question arises as to whether vortex structures exist beyond spreading zones in island-arc and intraplate conditions. In order to elucidate this issue, we have analyzed geological and geophysical materials (bottom relief, gravity field, geoidal rises, and so on) in the western Pacific Ocean and the southeastern Indian Ocean.