Structural Map of the Atlantic Ocean

This map synthesizes the interpretation of geological and geophysical data compiled from oceanographic cruises spanning several decades and their published results.

The main structural map is presented in the framework of the continental structural features. The oceanic areas include the following parameters:

• The age of the oceanic crust in Epochs
• Magnetic anomaly chron picks where they have been observed or interpreted
• Seafloor spreading axes, active and fossil
• Transform faults and fracture zones
• Anomalous relief and subduction zones
• Seaward dipping reflector (SDR) volcanic sequence
• Earthquake epicentres and source depths
• Hotspots
• Deep ocean drilling sites - DSDP( IPOD), ODP and IODP - where basaltic basement or transitional crust was reached
• Sediment thickness - contours over oceanic crust and thinned continental crustal areas
• Crustal deformation zones
• Summary of continental geology related to the geodynamic evolution of the ocean.

The map is accompanied by a corresponding Geodynamic Sketch (inset in the map) and Physiographic Map, downloadable here (inset in the notes which are downloadable here). The Geodynamic Sketch displays the tectonic plates pattern and illustrate the morphology and their juxtaposition.

This map of the Atlantic Ocean, issued for the 34th IGC in Brisbane in 2012, is the third one of this series, being an extension of, and replacement for, the 2008 North Atlantic map. It overlaps the adjoining Indian Ocean map. Publication of the map received financial support from UNESCO, the Geological Survey of Norway (2008) and IFREMER.