Crustal Properties Across Passive Margins

Book excerpt: Developments in Geotectonics, 15: Crustal Properties across Passive Margins covers the papers presented at the symposium ""Crustal Properties across Passive Margins"", held at Dalhousie University in Halifax, Nova Scotia on June 19-23, 1978. The book focuses on theoretical modelling of the rheological properties in the upper mantle beneath oceans and continents and stratigraphic studies of the sedimentary basins. The selection first offers information on seismic refraction study of the continental edge off the Eastern United States and gravity field of the U.S. Atlantic continental margin. Topics include crustal sections, inner and outer quiet zones, alternative models and complications, gravity models, free-air anomaly map, and the ocean-continent transition zone. The text then takes a look at the geologic history of the passive margin off New England and the Canadian Maritime Provinces and geophysical observations bearing upon the origin of the Newfoundland Ridge. The manuscript elaborates on the age and origin of the deepest correlative structures recognized off Canada and Europe and geophysical transects of the Labrador Sea. Discussions focus on magnetics and gravity, stratigraphic control, consequences regarding subduction or rifting, and deep structures of the Grand Banks of Newfoundland. The selection is a dependable reference for readers interested in crustal properties across passive margins.