Three-dimensional flexure modeling by seamont loading in the western Pacific: Infinite plate model

Abstract

The bathymetric and gravity data were obtained in 2001 and 2003 during a survey of seamounts in the northwest of the Marshall Islands, western Pacific. The study areas are located in the Pigafetta Basin which is the oldest part of the Pacific plate and in the Ogasawara Fracture Zone which formed from the spreading ridge between the Izanagi and Pacific plates in the Jurassic. The densities of seamounts and the elastic thickness values of the lithosphere are calculated by using three-dimensional flexure modeling considering the constant sediment layer in the infinite plate model. Very low elastic thickness values (5 km), relatively young seamounts, and old lithosphere in the east study area suggest the possibility of the rejuvenation of lithosphere by widespread volcanisms, whereas the elastic thickness values (15 km), relatively old seamounts, and young lithosphere of the west study area are suitable for a simple cooling plate model of 300-600°C isotherm. The gravity residuals of OSM6-1 and OSM6-2 suggest the possibility of different load density or elastic thickness. Relatively older OSM6-2 formed on the younger lithosphere with relatively thin elastic thickness, while younger OSM6-1 on the older lithosphere with relatively thick elastic thickness.