Objective: Since their identification in the early 90's, extension along oceanic detachment faults has been recognized as a fundamentally distinct mode of seafloor spreading that does not result in a classical Penrose model of oceanic crustal structure. This type of spreading is characterized by: formation of oceanic core complexes; tectonized and heterogeneous lithosphere; extensive exposure of gabbro and serpentinized mantle at the seafloor; some of the largest hydrogen-rich, deep-sea hydrothermal systems and mineral deposits; and large diversity in the deep-sea and subsurface biosphere.
The plan for this WG is to:
a) Foster and strengthen links to other efforts and programs towards the study of oceanic detachment faults;
b) Animate and facilitate coordination within the scientific community to advance the understanding of these structures.
Co-chairs: J. Pablo Canales (WHOI, USA) and Javier Escartín (CNRS-IPG Paris, France)
Working Grop Members: Gretchen Früh-Green (ETH, Switzerland), Nick Hayman (Univ. of Texas, USA), Barbara John (Univ. of Wyoming, USA), Andrew McCaig (Univ. of Leeds, UK), Kyoko Okino (ORI, Japan), Timothy Reston (Univ. of Birmingham, UK), Deborah Smith (WHOI, USA), Zhen Sun (S. China Sea Inst. Oceanol., China)
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