Thermal State of the Guaymas Basin Derived From Gas Hydrate Bottom Simulating Reflections and Heat Flow Measurements

Seafloor heat flow provides information about the thermal evolution of lithosphere, magnitude and timing volcanic activity, hydrothermal circulation patterns. In central Gulf California, Guaymas Basin is part a young marginal spreading rift system that experiences high sedimentation (1–5 km/Myr) widespread magmatic intrusions in axial troughs off-axis regions. Heat variations record sedimentary processes affecting basin. Here, we present new seismic evidence bottom-simulating reflection (BSR) northwestern Basin. Using BSR depths conductivity measurements, determine geothermal gradient surface variations. The BSR-derived values are less than conductive lithospheric predictions for mid-oceanic ridges. They suggest (0.3–1 suppresses flow. southeastern regions basin, increases as intruded units reach shallower subsurface depths. Thermal modeling shows recent (<5,000 years) igneous (<500 m below seafloor) associated fluid elevate up to five times. gradients correlate little with depth shallowest emplacements north, where have already cooled some time, activity shut down.