Multiple melt source origin of the Line Islands (Pacific Ocean)

Authors

Robert Pockalny, University of Rhode Island
Ginger Barth, United States Geological Survey Western Region
Barry Eakins, University of Colorado Boulder
Katherine A. Kelley, University of Rhode Island
Christina Wertman, University of Rhode Island

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.

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.