Aspects of the Geology of the Eastern Coral Sea and the Western New Hebrides Basin.

摘要

The submarine geology of the eastern Coral Sea and New Hebrides Basins in the southwest Pacific is characterized by complex bathymetry, comprising numerous geomorphological and structural features related to the tectonic setting of the region near the margin of the India plate. Most of the main structural features of the region appear to be of Eocene age. Miocene and younger sediments in the eastern Coral Sea are turbidity current deposits on the Coral Sea Abyssal Plain and pelagic biogenic sediments and abyssal clays in other parts of the basin. Eocene and Oligocene sediments are probably biogenic oozes. The oldest sediments of the New Hebrides Basin are mid Eocene to Oligocene biogenic sediments and Miocene abyssal clays. Elevation of various ridges later in the history of the region and the approach of the New Hebrides Ridge have been responsible for the shedding of clastics into the basin.