9714368 Coffin Large igneous provinces have been produced by massive accumulations of basalt produced in the mantle and are represented by features such as continental flood basalts and ocean plateaus. Although significant in terms of global geochemical cycling, mantle convection and cooling, and potentially global climate change, little is known about the specific processes responsible for production of such large volumes of mantle melt or their emplacement at the earth's surface. The present award will support participation of U.S. scientists in a Japanese led study of the Ontong Java Plateau in the western Pacific which is one of the best examples of an oceanic large igneous province. Seismic refraction and reflection data will be acquired to examine the crustal structure and history of formation of the Plateau. Dr. Coffin will have primary responsibility for processing and interpreting seismic reflection data to be acquired by the Japanese, and will also be involved in all other aspects of data interpretation and modelling. Data from the cruise will be used to guide selection of candidate drill sites for planning by the Ocean Drilling Program. ***
