A high-resolution, digital single channel seismic reflection survey of the Hawaiian flexural moat is planned. The major objectives of this survey are to: 1) define the major stratigraphic units within the moat, 2) establish the relative importance of island erosion rates, lithospheric rheology, and the thermal structure of the underlying plate on the development of the moat and its internal stratigraphy, and 3) identify sites where the age relationships of the stratigraphic units in the moat and their subsidence history can be determined by drilling. The investigators believe that these data will significantly advance our understanding of the mechanics of flexure, not only in the vicinity of large volcanic loads, but also in other tectonic settings such as sedimentary basins along passive continental margins and in front of orogenic fold/thrust belts.
