Investigation of an oceanic plateau formation and rifting initiation model implied by the Caroline Ridge on the Caroline Plate, western Pacific

The rifting of oceanic plateaus is an important mechanism for initiating lithospheric break-up and subsequent seafloor spreading. In this study, we present the latest multichannel seismic data investigating Caroline Ridge provide one typical cases initial plateau evolution. We reveal that a smooth basement reflector (R2), as top lava flows, subparallel to sediments with horizontal reflections over surface Ridge. Thick layer-parallel flows beneath R2 appear within crust. Large seamounts in Sorol Trough possess abundant saucer-shaped intracrustal reflectors, overlying were destroyed by intrusive bodies. sedimentary sequences, basement, thick on flanks faulted opposing normal fault sets, eruptions deformed strata. A widespread bright (R1), unconformity inside sediments, truncates lower tilted sediment layers itself cut faults flank Furthermore, propose subaerial extended laterally from hotspot magmatism localizing led formation. occurred during Early-Middle Miocene. Limited volcanoes concentrate only due attenuated thermal effect. It suggested dome uplifting far-field force could have jointly caused process