This is a project to extend the PI's work on analyzing Seasat and Geosat geoid signals of fractures zones to small offset fracture zones from the North and South Atlantic. The altimeter data will first be decomposed using and Empirical Orthogonal Function (EOF) analysis, and from this simplified data set systematic variations of form and amplitude of the profiles will be interpreted in terms of various models that may be related to crustal thinning. Crustal thinning is expected to be the main cause of different geoid signals across small offset fracture zones. %%% Fracture zones are a fundamental feature of the seafloor. They represent part of a plate boundary and may be control magma segmentation processes along ocean ridge crests. Not much is understood about ridge-fracture zone intersections and the physical processes that operate there. The analyses to be performed during this project should provide useful information regarding fundamental geological processes on the seafloor.
