Time-averaged sedimentation rate from sediment thickening from Galapagos spreading centre

What is it about?

The rate at which sediment thickens away from the Galapagos Spreading Centre was measured using high-resolution Scripps Deep Tow records. These were combined with the seafloor spreading rate and sediment density data to derive a time-averaged accumulation rate, which was found to be somewhat larger on the ridge flank closest to the equator, as would be expected. The study also looked at how the variability of sediment thickness varied with the average thickness, in this and a variety of other datasets, revealing how the ratio of variability to average thickness varies between different areas with different basement relief.

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Why is it important?

The article suggested methods for addressing how sedimentation variability might be characterised in sonar and seismic data of sufficiently high resolution able to resolve sediment overlying rugged basement.