Structural and Sedimentological Evolution of the Somali Basin: Paleooceanographic Interpretations 2022-05-15

The paleooceanographic development of the Somali Basin in the Northwestern Indian Ocean is determined through considering the structural, evolution of the area; its influence on Neogene atmospheric and oceanic circulation as indicated in the sediment record; and variation in these circulation systems as seen in late Quaternary sediments. Chain Ridge forms the main structural element of the Somali Basin. Correlation of geophysical measurements along its topographically elevated portion with geophysical transects in the southern Somali Basin indicates that a buried portion of the Chain Ridge sector of Owen Fracture Zone extends at least to 7.5°S. In areas where crustal age may be estimated on both sides of the fracture zone either by elevation or by other methods, the sea floor to the west is at least 30 m.y. older than that to the east and may be considerably older.