Genesis of Shatsky and Hess Oceanic Rises in the Pacific Ocean
As Deduced from GeologicGeophysical Data
and Numerical Modeling

E. V. Verzhbitskii^a, L. I. Lobkovskii^a, M. V. Kononov^a, and V. D. Kotelkin^b

^aShirshov Institute of Oceanology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Nakhimovskii pr. 36, Moscow, 117997 Russia

e-mail: mv_kononov@mail.ru

^bFaculty of Mechanics and Mathematics, Moscow State University, Vorob’evy gory, Moscow, 119992 Russia

Received October 14, 2004

Abstract—The geologic structure and distribution of geophysical fields in the area of the Shatsky and Hess
rises are considered. The ages of the Shatsky and Hess rises estimated at ~140 and ~100 Ma, respectively, from
heat-flow parameters are consistent with the ages determined from magnetic measurements. The calculated
thickness of the lithosphere beneath the rises (80–90 km) is close to that of the adjacent plates of the oceanic
framework. This indicates that the rises were formed near the spreading axis. It is suggested that the rises
evolved as autonomous structural features and their evolution followed the crystallization model of the oceanic-
bottom formation. The tectonic analysis of the North Pacific has been carried out, and a geodynamic model of
the growth of the Shatsky and Hess rises 140–83.5 Ma ago has been proposed. According to this model, the
rises originated at the triple junction. This result is supported by the parameters of heat flow. The geothermal
and geodynamic data and results of numerical modeling suggest that the origin of the Shatsky and Hess rises is
related to plume tectonics.

DOI: 10.1134/S0016852106030071

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