Evidence for hydrothermal activity in the Andaman Backarc Basin
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Date
1996Author
Rao, P.S.
KameshRaju, K.A.
Ramprasad, T.
Nath, B.N.
Rao, B.R.
Rao, Ch.M.
Nair, R.R.
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Multibeam bathymetric, magnetic, gravity and seismic surveys revealed a complex morphotectonic fabric of the Andaman Backare Basin with a spreading ridge, several seamounts and faults. The ridge trending SW-NE direction is segmented and shows variations in topography, magnetic and gravity anomalies and seismic structure. The spreading ridge comprises of an inactive northeastern segment and an active southwestern segment. Sampling in the rift valley of the active ridge segment and in a crater of a seamount yielded volcanic rocks which contain vent-like features, broken parts of chimney structures and rocks with disseminate and vein-type metal sulphides. These assemblages, together with the presence of pyrite clusters in the form of rods and irregular lumps in the sediments, are interpreted as evidence for hydrothermal activity in the region, related to backare spreading and associated volcanism
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