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Regional seismic stratigraphic correlations of the Ross Sea: Implications for the tectonic history of the West Antarctic Rift System

January 1, 2007

Using existing and new seismic reflection data, new and updated correlations of late Oligocene-early
Miocene RSS-2 strata were made between the southern parts of Ross Sea basins. Previous studies documented
Cretaceous extension across much of Ross Sea. We interpret that Cenozoic extension also occurred across Ross Sea.
Subsidence during and following this extension deepened existing basins and may have initiated basins in the west,
subsiding ridges between basins below sea level during the late Oligocene. Pre-Oligocene strata record cessation of L.
Cretaceous extension in easternmost Ross Sea. Successively younger Cenozoic extension occurred from east to west
across the rest of Ross Sea.

Publication Year 2007
Title Regional seismic stratigraphic correlations of the Ross Sea: Implications for the tectonic history of the West Antarctic Rift System
DOI 10.3133/ofr20071047SRP052
Authors Robert C. Decesari, Christopher C. Sorlien, Bruce P. Luyendyk, Douglas S. Wilson, Louis Bartek, John Diebold, Sarah E. Hopkins
Publication Type Report
Publication Subtype USGS Numbered Series
Series Title Open-File Report
Series Number 2007-1047-SRP-052
Index ID ofr20071047SRP052
Record Source USGS Publications Warehouse