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Seismic-reflection signature of cretaceous continental breakup on the Wilkes Land margin, Antarctica

January 1, 1985

The passive (rifted) continental margin of Wilkes Land, Antarctica, is characterized on seismic reflection records by (i) in the south, a block-faulted sequence of highly stratified continental beds overlain by two distinct unconformities; (ii) a transitional, greatly thinned continental crust overlain by material interpreted to be flood basalt; and (iii) in the north, oceanic crust with a boundary ridge at its edge. The Mohorovic??ic?? discontinuity can be followed across the continent-ocean boundary and shows a progressive thinning of continental crust to a minimum of 2.5 kilometers at its northern edge.

Publication Year 1985
Title Seismic-reflection signature of cretaceous continental breakup on the Wilkes Land margin, Antarctica
Authors S. L. Eittreim, M. A. Hampton, J.R. Childs
Publication Type Article
Publication Subtype Journal Article
Series Title Science
Index ID 70012810
Record Source USGS Publications Warehouse