Multiple melt source origin of the Line Islands (Pacific Ocean)
Document Type
Article
Date of Original Version
11-1-2021
Abstract
The Line Islands volcanic chain in the central Pacific Ocean exhibits many characteristics of a hotspot-generated seamount chain; however, the lack of a predictable age progression has stymied previous models for the origin of this feature. We combined plate-tectonic reconstructions with seamount age dates and available geochemistry to develop a new model that involves multiple melt regions and multiple melt delivery styles to explain the spatial and temporal history of the Line Islands system. Our model identifies a new melt source region (Larson melt region at ~17°S, ~125°W) that contributed to the formation of the Line Islands, as well as the Mid-Pacific Mountains and possibly the Pukapuka Ridge
Publication Title, e.g., Journal
Geology
Volume
49
Issue
11
Citation/Publisher Attribution
Pockalny, Robert, Ginger Barth, Barry Eakins, Katherine A. Kelley, and Christina Wertman. "Multiple melt source origin of the Line Islands (Pacific Ocean)." Geology 49, 11 (2021). doi: 10.1130/G49306.1.